November 19
Bible Reading: Acts 26:9-11
Acts 26:9-11,“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.”
In the recent election, millions of Americans cast their votes for various candidates. Some candidates won, some lost. Winners will be privileged to serve in their new roles, whatever they might be. Saul casts some votes too, but it was the very lives of Christians that hung in the balance.
Our passage speaks to the depth of Saul’s depravity. Sent out under the authority of the chief priests, his mission was to hunt down and imprison Christians. Though these folks had committed no crime, they had identified themselves to be followers of Christ, and that was enough. With raging fury, Saul pursued them with vengeance. When brought before the court, Saul tried to make them blaspheme. When the vote was taken whether to put them to death, Paul voted against them. He joined with others in that wicked enterprise. Imagine the terror that was visited upon those folks and their families! And Saul was at the heart of it.
The Lord Jesus was well aware of all that was happening. In persecuting Christians, Saul was persecuting Christ Himself, as Jesus made clear: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me” (Acts 26:14)? Every true believer is intimately united with Christ in a relationship that cannot be broken (Romans 8:37-39). The evil leaders may have cast their vote against those Christians, but God had already decreed and won their victory (Romans 8:37).
In his wicked conflict against Christians, Saul engaged in an unwinnable war. The Lord Jesus intervened and saved Saul in miraculous fashion, transforming the worst enemy of the church into the church’s best friend. The fact that the Lord worked to save and transform such a man testifies to the riches of His grace and mercy (1 Timothy 1:14). Evil men cast wicked votes. But the Lord has the final say. Saul was Christian enemy #1, but then God turned Him around. His ability to save and transform knows no limits. Think back to how God intervened in your life (Ephesians 2:1-3) and give thanks again for the miracle of your salvation!
“Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say.” –Proverbs 16:33 (The Message)
IT IS NO SECRET
The chimes of time ring out the news
Another day is through
Someone slipped and fell
Was that someone you?
You may have longed for added strength
Your courage to renew
Do not be disheartened
For I have news for you
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
There is no night for in His light
You never walk alone
Always feel at home
Wherever you may go
There is no power can conquer you
While God is on your side
Take Him at His promise
Don’t run away and hide
It is no secret what God can do
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you
It is no secret what God can do
LookingtoJesus 