Changed In An Instant

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 19-20
NT: Acts 9
W&W: Proverbs 17

Today’s Reflection:
The first verse of Acts 9 informs us that Saul, a young Jewish scholar, was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.” Saul hated Christians. He rejected the message of Christ. Undoubtedly he scoffed at the thought of the resurrection. But something happened to Saul and his life was changed forever.

As Saul traveled to Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior himself appeared to Saul and called him to become a follower, too. Although his circumstances did not change immediately and his acceptance by The Church was longer in coming, Saul was changed nonetheless. He knew it, and he began to live differently at once. In that instant Saul was changed from persecutor of the gospel to preacher of the gospel.

God’s grace is just as effective in your life and mine today as it was in Saul’s life then. Jesus can change us in an instant. Our circumstances may not immediately change, and it may take others longer to realize it, but we are changed nonetheless. No matter where you are, no matter what you have done, no matter how far you may feel from God, do not despair! God changes who and what you are at once. Then he invites you, like Saul, to become who and what he has changed you to. Oh glorious mystery of God’s grace!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
Let’s put the first 4 verses of 1 John together. 1 John 1.1-4: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.