Devotional - February, 28, 2024
Scripture: Galatians 1:11-14 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
I have heard a lot of testimonies during my time in ministry. When I was a chaplain, I had those being baptized give their testimonies before their baptism. I set a time limit for their testimonies, otherwise the service would end before we got heard them all. Some folks liked to make a big deal about how bad, or lost, they were before coming to Christ. It took up the bulk of their testimony. Folks, that is not appropriate. In Paul's testimony, he does not spend a lot of time describing who he was before he came to know Christ. He also makes clear that Christ came to him. Christ comes to us too (1 John 4:19). I think that dynamic is important for us to understand. Jesus was here long before we were and knew us before we ever knew Him (John 1: 2-3). Yes, we may have heard about Him in Sunday school and other places, but even before then His Spirit was with us (Acts 17:28). But more than that, when you realize that God comes to you, like a parent concerned about their child, it gives you a better understanding of your salvation. God is not sitting there, motionless, waiting for you. Paul makes it clear that he was tutored by God. After..., he had a first rate religious education, in which he was "extremely zealous" in pursuing and advancing past others. All of which, being in the wrong direction. His religious zeal bred hate in his heart for Christianity. So much so, he persecuted Christianity to the point of trying to destroy it all together. Hate originates from many places. We hate things that cause us pain, or fear, or anxiety. I am sure Saul (Paul) worried about what would happen if Christianity caught hold and spread across the world? What would that mean for him? Well, it did and he played a major part in it. And where it has flourished, the fruit of the Spirit abounds (Galatians 5:22-23) and all are blessed (Luke 13:18-19). Beware of the things you hate. And yes, we all deal with hate to some degree or another. Not only does hate control you, but you are subject to it. It can cost you and those you love dearly. Everyone suffers. Especially, when you find out you and what you did were wrong. Paul would have never guessed he was wrong. How could he be? He had the best teachers. He was right. Or, so he thought. The writer of Proverbs pleads with his reader to seek wisdom (Proverbs 4: 5-9). Solomon, who many think wrote the Proverbs, is blessed by God because he asked God for wisdom, when he could have asked for anything (1 Kings 3: 5-15). During this time of Lent, spend some time discussing what you hate with God. Let the Spirit lead you in the ways of wisdom.
Pray with me.., Holy God we confess that we turn from wisdom when we get agitated or vexed by this world. Help us to remain with You, allowing Your Spirit to mode our spirit. Be with our loved ones we pray, bless them, for we care for them. Be with our church, help us to be the people you call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
