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An Unlikely Choice
I have read Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 many times. However, I’ve never encountered anything close to his spiritual transformation until I came across this video. It’s a full 15 minutes. Please, take the time to watch this in full. My commentary follows.
Sometimes, I walk through my Christian life in a daze, bumping into people and mindlessly saying “excuse me” before I’m finally knocked in the head by some calamity. Or perhaps a family chaotic frenzy pulls me out of it. It’s hard for the word of God to spring forth from our souls with joy and thanksgiving. We are weighed down by the cares of this world and tend to take our liberty in Christ for granted. Our lives, at times, resemble a robotic assembly line—rising, performing chores, eating on the go, watching television, then rushing off to bed as if it were one more thing to check off our to-do list. Meanwhile, our eyes are veiled from spiritual reality. God’s presence is felt only on Sunday mornings (providing the preacher yells loud enough to keep us awake), at bedsides of dying loved ones, and when near-death experiences remind us there really is someone UP there.
This man’s conversion in the video reminds me God is alive and active. While fumbling through my fog, God is moving about the earth ensuring his word will not return to him void.
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
As God moves and touches the lives of others, I doubt. Don’t you? Why? Because we’ve lost our spiritual connection. To stay connected, we must be in constant prayer . . . about everything. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Remember Colton Burpo—the four-year-old who saw heaven and described to his father all that he had seen and heard. Or perhaps you remember young Akiane Kramarik, the four-year-old girl who also saw heaven and returned from her dreamlike state and began to paint. I dare not speculate on Burpo or Kramarik and the circumstances by which they came to encounter heaven and Jesus. I’ll allow the skeptics to handle that debate.
However, this video touched me in ways Colton Burpo’s and Akiane Kramarik’s story could not. Maybe it’s because I’ve been exposed to the word of God for so long that I readily connected it to Saul’s conversion. Or maybe it’s because out of this man’s conversion came a spiritual transformation more miraculous than a painting or a young boy confirming heaven is for real.
Muslim culture is hard for us to grasp. As we drench ourselves in news reports of suicide bombings, we can’t fathom God changing anyone who does such things. Our perceptions are fostered by the stiff-necked who portray themselves as representatives of the Muslim faith. As you and I know, not all Muslims are violent.
To watch this man openly share his encounter with Jesus Christ and profess his faith is no small matter. This is huge! Like Saul of Tarsus, he places himself at risk of being killed. If caught, haters might hang his body in an open marketplace as a warning that Christianity won’t be tolerated. Far worse, he will be prohibited from spreading the word of God to his people.
When you and I think of going on a missionary journey, Gaza, Iran, Libya, Iraq or Syria don’t come to mind. I think Africa—not because I’m African-American, but because that’s what is constantly flashing on my television screen. But through this man’s powerful testimony, I am deeply reminded the most outcast, most dangerous, most vicious, most violent of sinners can and will be brought to Jesus. There are no borders God can’t cross. No cultures he can’t reconcile. No storm he can’t calm. No language he can’t speak. There is no one he can’t forgive. No tool he can’t use. No hate he can’t melt. No confusion he can’t ease. No guilt he can’t erase. No heart he can’t mend. No soul he can’t protect against a fall.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (II Corinthians 5:18-21)
Most of us don’t know a real-live Saul. We can preach Saul’s story, but can we relate to it? Most have never murdered. We’ve never persecuted anyone and placed them in jail. We haven’t sought, and probably would never seek authority to pursue and persecute the church. Saul was all this. He stood tall in the face of what he deemed righteous and boldly flogged the church and anyone else who got in the way.
Yet, God used him.
You can’t fabricate a story like this. It’s no fairy tale. It isn’t a paper doll of a story to be spread out on the floor or atop a table while we muse over how to clothe it. None of us possess that kind of spiritual depth. Throughout biblical history, God used the most unlikely characters to bring forth his word.
• Mary, an unwed teenager; an object of a possible scandal. The risk had it not been God’s will — stoned to death.
• Moses, a tongue-tied Jew removed from his people to live the good life as an Egyptian. An object to be rejected by the very people he was sent to save. The risk had it not been God’s will — killed by Pharaoh.
• Peter, a disciple who swore he’d never leave Jesus, but he did. The risk had it not been God’s will — if Jesus hadn’t appeared and included Peter in the great commission, Peter might have ended up a bitter, angry man.
• Various women throughout the New Testament, many unnamed, who ministered to the apostles. During the time of Jesus, women were considered second-class citizens with almost no status and authority. They couldn’t own property. The risk had it not been God’s will — continued oppression of women.
So, when God moves about the earth and decides to enter the prison cell of an unknown and reveal himself, what am I to make of it? Doubt? Think it’s a disguise for ill-gain? I don’t think so. But I can relate to the doubters. I remember how believers reacted to Saul’s conversion. They were afraid. Apprehensive. Read with me:
“. . . Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’” (Acts 9:19-21)
“When he came to Jerusalem, he (Saul) tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:26-27)
Should we be surprised many will doubt this man’s account? We’re afraid. Smiling, but not trusting. Or should we move our eyes from the messenger to the message? Just as Christ designated Saul to become a disciple to the Gentiles, is he not also proclaiming this man in the video to become a messenger to Muslims? Hamas? Hezbollah? What better tool to carry the word of God into a violent, lost world than one of their own?
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” (I Thessalonians 2:13)
God has chosen this man to preach the gospel, appearing to him in as much the same way as he appeared to Saul many years ago. Surprised? If God has reserved a remnant of his people for himself, wouldn’t it stand to reason someone will preach to the Middle East and the people obey? How can they obey unless they hear the message?
“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality.’ It is just as Isaiah said previously: ‘Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.’” (Romans 9:27-29)
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
If God has judged this man and deemed him fit to speak throughout the Middle East, who are we to sit in judgment? If God does not send him, who will go? Me? You? Your children? Who?
God’s power and love overwhelms me. I am weak in the midst of his goodness and moved by his compassion to reach those we deem unreachable. He continues to use the most unlikely candidates for his glory.
Whether you believe this man’s story or not, he is likely to be persecuted for the kingdom of God, or for being an imposter. Either way, he will likely die. He will cry out for help. His own people will hate him. Some Americans will hate him; distrust him; keep him under tight scrutiny. He will end up being on the run, perhaps. Maybe he, too, will become shipwrecked, hungry, working menial jobs so he can eat. But whatever form of hardship he endures, he will do so for the sake of Jesus Christ.
“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (Revelation 6:9)
In the end, I hope this man will say:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8)
Can you—
“. . . hide his word in your heart so that you might not sin against him?” (Psalms 119:11 – I’ve paraphrased this verse)
Will you—
“. . . hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
“For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)
Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Poet, Novelist
August 6, 2014
August Devotional – Calm in the Eye of the Storm
There’s too much going on in the world. Israel is fighting Hamas. Russia thirsts for more power. Syria is still in a civil war. The U.S. is fighting immigration. An Ebola outbreak is wreaking havoc in West Africa. And America still feels the need to be everyone’s savior.
If none of this affects you, set an appointment with your doctor to check your pulse.
Have you forgotten we are all in this together? Everything we do affects those around us. The Middle East crisis is not theirs alone. Their conflict is sure to find itself front and center of our next political campaigns. But don’t be fooled. Democrats and Republicans don’t have concrete answers to solve the Middle East problems.
I’m tempted to say we need better relationships with Honduras and Mexico to solve the immigration crisis. What good would that do? If Mexican and Honduran citizens can’t trust their government to protect them from the drug cartel, how can we expect their government to negotiate with us in good faith? And why are we contemplating paying them to solve their issues? Don’t pay Mexico and Honduras a dime. Who do we think we are? God? Use American money to secure the borders and let Mexico and Honduras deal with their issues. The very dollars we’re spending to house people could be spent securing our borders.
Is it just me? Can anyone else see a pattern about to develop here? Have either of you thought about the real issue behind this influx of immigrants?
Place yourself in the shoes of a terrorist. If you do, you’ll find yourself watching CNN and getting the latest updates on the immigration issues. What do you notice first? The American government is wasting time bickering over policies. If you’re a terrorist, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Ah ha! We can enter the United States through Mexico while the government is fighting among themselves.
Am I the only one who can see this? When it’s all said and done, while Washington is hating Obama, terrorists are scheming and infiltrating our borders. How easy would it be to disguise themselves as a Mexican citizen (providing they don’t speak)? What if we wake up one morning and find ourselves watching numerous reports on CNN of skirmishes across the country? Who would we be fighting? Or should I ask: Who’s fighting us?
Tightening our borders is a grave matter that must be dealt with immediately. This isn’t a race issue. This is a security issue. Love your freedom? Get ready to fight to keep it. I just hope we’ll only be fighting politicians and not a terrorist militia.
We can’t continue to think we are the superpower. If we continue with this line of thinking, we will be forever burdened with responsibilities that don’t belong to us. This way of thinking is the main reason there is so much fighting in Washington. Many politicians tend to think we have the power to persuade countries to do this or that. What we fail to realize is that we have no power at all. If a host of terrorists enter our country and cause havoc, what good are our powerful ships and high-tech jets? And even if they are effective in killing the enemy, won’t numerous civilians pay with their lives? And doesn’t this scenario sound a lot like the Middle East conflict?
A house divided cannot stand.
While Boehner and the Republican Party are entangled in a political battle against President Obama, Russia is gaining ground and a life-threatening disease is creeping inside our country.
No one mentions God. No one looks for the answers within the scriptures. Few seek the betterment of others over themselves.
So how are we different from the Middle East?
And where in the world is God in all this?
Jesus Christ died at a time when Israel was dying spiritually and on the brink of political disaster. Jewish priests catered to the Roman government to win their favor and keep control of the Jews. Taxes at an all-time high propelled much unrest among the people. In need of peace, spiritual soothing, and freedom, the people looked forward to the day a new king would come and save them.
What they got was a common carpenter—someone who looked like them.
They expected a savior with clout and might—someone powerful enough to dismantle the Roman Empire and establish a new earthly kingdom. They hoped for reduced taxes. Peace and harmony. This new king might be adorned in a purple robe, a gold scepter. The priests surely expected him to agree with their way of oppression.
What did they get?
In the midst of all the noise, they got a messenger of peace. I find it interesting Jesus didn’t go to those in power and preach the good news. He didn’t seek people of stature to convince them he was the Christ so they’d spread the word. He didn’t attend committee meetings with high priests, or walk across the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas to whisper in the ears of Roman officials.
In the eye of this political storm . . . amidst civil unrest, Jesus sat down among a crowd of spiritually hungry people and gave them hope. Out of all the healing miracles Jesus performed, not once did he transform the chaotic world around them. Rather, he changed men’s hearts in the midst of all the chaos. He didn’t preach revolt against the Roman government. Remember Jesus’ encounter with Pilate?
“9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” (John 19:9-11)
He didn’t get all up in arms about their high taxes. Instead, he said “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
God doesn’t want us focused on the noise. He doesn’t want you and I distracted by such nonsense. I do not believe for one moment God doesn’t want you aware of your surroundings. However, he doesn’t want you consumed with it either. He is God. He is in control. He is the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. Not one thing is happening on this earth that he doesn’t know or care about.
When the noise around the world becomes too loud, God reminds me that he’s in control. He reminds me that our world will erupt in chaos and that I shouldn’t be surprised by it.
I have no idea how long the conflicts in our world will continue. And I don’t possess a wealth of knowledge or the gift of discernment in the area of politics to know what our government should or shouldn’t do.
I do feel, however, that a house divided cannot stand. America is divided. We are politically fighting among ourselves and not keeping a better watch on our country. If we’re not careful, we will become another Middle East conflict situated in the West.
Need you be reminded that we are not fighting a racial war? This is not about the color of President Obama’s skin. Did you give any thought to the color of President Bush’s skin? No, of course not. Why? Because the real truth is Satan is behind the divisiveness in our country. He will use any means to keep this chaos ongoing. If that means using the color of President Obama’s skin, the Russians blaming us for their flaws, skirmishes among many Americans over immigration reform, Israel’s constant feuding with Hamas, or China’s status on the world stage, Satan will do it.
Look beyond what you can see. Make no mistake about it. We’re in spiritual warfare. President Obama, Putin, Israel, Hamas, or immigrants crossing the border aren’t your real enemy.
Satan is all about distractions.
Keep your minds on the Holy One.
“5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (Romans 8:5-7)
“18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
“20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:20)
“14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:14-20)
“33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace . . . .” (I Corinthians 14:33)
“2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called– 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:2-6)
“14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:14-18)
“15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
“23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:23)
“2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
Bathe in God’s love and peace. Do not retaliate. Love one another.
Dare I say it again?
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)
Gravitate to God’s peace for he is our calm in the eye of the storm.
Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Poet, Novelist