BE A BLESSINGSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: When Christ is your first priority, He will enable you to lead a life that glorifies His name. In the book of Acts, we read about a man called Saul. He was a Pharisee. He studied under the famous rabbi, Gamaliel, the best Jewish teacher of that day. He became very zealous for the traditions, that is teachings, of his people. This zealous commitment to the study of the Old Testament laws and traditions is the background of Paul's persecution of the Jews who believed Jesus was the Messiah. Saul was traveling to Damascus to arrest Jewish people who had accepted Jesus. Thus in full vigour, he marched towards the synagogues of Damascus to arrest men and women who went out of the way. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." Here Lord Jesus says that persecuting His people is to persecute Him.
Sometimes knowingly or unknowingly we sin against God by ill-treating the servants of God. When we grumble or murmur against the children of God it is to murmur against God himself. When you became a talebearer, gossiping against His people, it is to persecute God himself.
Even as you read this, try to analyze your life. Have you ever harmed the children of God by your words or deeds? When you seek repentance from the Lord, He will forgive you and will bless you.
What happened to Saul when Jesus spoke to him? His life was transformed. He was three days without sight and neither ate nor drank. He lamented for his act against the Saviour. He humbled himself saying I am the chief sinner amongst all sinners. The Lord, rich in mercies, forgave him and gave him a new life. When you repent for your sinful deeds, He will forgive your sins. He will cleanse you with His precious blood that He shed on the cross of Calvary. He will make you a new person. The divine transformation that took place in the life of Saul will take place in you.
Paul's conversion brought a complete change in the inner controlling power of his life. It was like dying and receiving a new life. In Galatians 2:20 he says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me". Saul who persecuted Jesus became the great Apostle Paul and proclaimed the gospel to the Gentiles.
Is it possible for you to confess like Paul, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me".
When your first priority becomes God, He will enable you to lead a life that glorifies His name.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Help me not to sin against You by murmuring against your children. Teach me to love others just as You love me. Help me to forgive and pray for those who wrong me. Fill me with Your love and let Your love overflow and reach others. Help me to live for Your glory like Apostle Paul lived. I believe that You will take care of my needs and will fulfill them. Be with me and guide me to love and forgive others. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |