The Apostle Paul is often considered to be the most important person after Jesus in the history of Christianity. He is also the greatest missionary, plus he knew Jesus! They spent three years together, Paul learning from Jesus after he had denied and persecuted him.
They met on the road to Damascus. On his journey, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. Acts 9 continues to share the story of Saul’s blindness for three days following Jesus’ command for him to go to the city and wait for further instruction.
From Acts 9:15-16: “But the Lord said to Ananias, Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Chosen instrument. Suffer in Jesus’ name. Since Jesus had shown Paul a glimpse into the intensity of his suffering, he committed to God’s will despite the pain, agony, persecution, and ultimate death he faced. Sometimes it’s easier not knowing. Nero had him beheaded in Rome. He died as a martyr for his faith.
Paul was willing to endure suffering for the sake of his faith. He fulfilled the mission given to him by God, an honorable example of righteousness and service. Some of his final words are found in 2 Timothy 4:8 “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”
Chosen. Instrument. Suffering. Crown. Righteousness. Prize. Amen.
By: Kim Snyder
~ Christ Fellowship