Obsession

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 43
NT: Acts 26
W&W: Psalm 75

Today’s Reflection:

In the Apostle Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, he testified as follows:

“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. (Acts 26.9-11).

That phrase, “in my obsession against them,” seized my thoughts. Paul explained his action against Christians and depicted his hatred toward them as an obsession. Webster defines an obsession as “a thought or emotion which comes strongly to mind with unwanted persistency.”

Paul, in Romans 7, testifies to his pre-conversion obsessiveness, those strong and uncontrollable thoughts that drove him against his will. In Romans 8 he presents the solution to his obsessions. The only thing that could control/eliminate his obsession against Christians was an encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus delivered him in a miraculous and merciful appearance, knocking him to the ground to get his attention. (See Acts 9.)

Sadly, that word – obsession – seems to fit the behavior and motivating force of some people I have known. You have met them, too. They are inside the church and outside. May Jesus in mercy appear to those Christians who obsess against other Christians. May he knock them to the ground and deliver them from their obsession.

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.