The God of all comfort ∙

The God of all comfort ∙

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Romans 15:1-7

 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Comfort Keepers is a leading provider of in-home, non-medical care for seniors and other adults who need assistance with daily activities. Their goal is to provide care and comfort to loved ones who need extra assistance in the comfort and familiarity of their own home for as long as safely possible. This is a dream come true for many elders.

Through their unique approach to caregiving, known as Interactive Caregiving™, their comfort keepers (caregivers) provide professional in-home care services with a personal touch. The comfort keepers cultivate genuine friendships with their clients, addressing their emotional and social needs. Their services include help with cooking, housekeeping, and personal care.

Since its establishment in 1998, Comfort Keepers has expanded to over 700 locations worldwide. For ten consecutive years, INC. Magazine has recognized Comfort Keepers as a world-class franchise and listed it among the fastest-growing franchises.

Our merciful Father is the God of all comfort. He has promised to comfort those in need, as a loving mother comforts her child.

Isaiah 66:13 I will comfort you as a mother comforts her child.

When comforted by the Father, those whom He comforts are prepared to comfort others in the same way we have been comforted. The Father has had a worldwide comfort-giving network in place for millennia. His network consists of all children of the King who have received His comfort.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Each child of the King is to be a comfort courier.

REFLECT & PRAY

So often, we have a misconception of what the Father is like. He’s not a vindictive judge out to punish the children of the King. He is “not called the Father of judgments or vengeances but the Father of all mercies and comfort” (Bernard).

Father thank You for being my comforter and my encourager. Thank you for providing me with strength in moments of weakness and despair. Empower me to offer comfort to others, mirroring the comfort You have graciously extended to me.

INSIGHT

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, the Father God is identified as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. This designation, “Father of mercies,” has been translated as “the all-merciful Father” (NEB), “a gentle Father” (JB), and simply “the merciful Father” (Knox).

The Greek word for mercies, merciful, or compassion is oiktirmos. Oiktirmos is a rare word only used five times in the New Testament. Oiktirmos is a deep awareness of and sympathy for others who suffer. The root Greek term oiktos means lamenting or regretting a person’s misfortune or death, then metaphorically sympathy or pity. Oiktirmos is typically translated as mercy, compassion, pity, and sympathy.

The Greek word translated as comfort is paraklesis. Paraklesis is comfort given to strengthen and establish. It involves exhortation, encouragement, and admonition. Paraklesis comes from the same Greek root that designates the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, Comforter, Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7)

The Father is concerned for the welfare of all the children of the King. He is not merely called the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. He is the embodiment of these roles. He demonstrates Who and What He is in the actions He performs. He provides comfort and consolation through decisive intervention in real time.

“God’s comfort strengthens weak knees and sustains sagging spirits so that one faces the troubles of life with unbending resolve and unending assurance” (Garland). Comfort not only connotes emotional relief and a sense of well-being, physical ease, satisfaction, and freedom from pain and anxiety. But it is so much more. The English word comfort is derived from the Latin term confortare, which means “to strengthen much.” It is composed of the Latin com + fortis. Fortis means brave, strong, or courageous. This is the kind of comfort that Paul has in mind (Garland). He not only comforts and encourages us, but He also makes us stronger in the process.

“The supreme result of all this is that we gain the power to comfort others who are going through it. Paul claims that the things which have happened to him and the comfort which he has received have made him able to be a source of comfort to others . . .. It is worthwhile experiencing suffering and sorrow if that experience will enable us to help others struggling with the stormy seas of life” (Barclay).

“J. M. Barrie tells how his mother lost her dearest son, and then he says: ‘That is where my mother got her soft eyes and why other mothers ran to her when they had lost a child.’” (Barclay). We are enabled to comfort others because of the comfort that we received in our times of trial and suffering. The Lord Jesus Christ shows us the way.

Hebrews 2:18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

The Father lovingly prunes us through the process of suffering and comfort. “Pruning means cutting, reshaping, and removing what diminishes vitality. When we look at a pruned vineyard, we can hardly believe it will bear fruit. But when harvest time comes, we realize that the pruning enabled the vine to concentrate its energy and produce more grapes than it could have had it remained unpruned. Grateful people are those who can celebrate even the pains of life because they trust that when harvest time comes, the fruit will show that the pruning was not punishment but purification” (Nouwen).

The Father has commissioned every child of the King to be a comforter courier. He comforts us so that we may be able to comfort others. We are to pay it forward.

2 Corinthians 1:4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

“We are not comforted to be comfortable but to be comforters” (BBC).

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© Dr. H 2024

We can only receive what God gives ∙

We can only receive what God gives ∙

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. – John 1:6-7

John 3:22-30

 22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.

 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism.

 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.)

 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing.

 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”

 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, “I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.”

 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.

 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

George Washington set a precedent by gracefully stepping down and passing the mantle of leadership to the incoming president, John Adams. From his late 20s, Washington had always preferred the tranquility of private life over the demands of public service. Even after retiring from his role in the Virginia militia, the call to lead the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War saw him reluctantly return to public life.

Upon the Revolutionary War ended, Washington eagerly relinquished his commission and returned to his private life, intent on never wielding power again. However, the people of the United States would have none of it. The Founding Fathers called on him to once again be their leader. After serving two terms, Washington chose not to seek re-election, demonstrating his humility and setting a powerful example by stepping down willingly.

On September 19, 1796, Washington delivered his Farewell Address, a significant moment in American history. In this address, he shared his decision to retire to Mount Vernon, emphasizing his desire for a private life and setting a high standard for future presidencies. Washington was acutely aware of the precedents his actions would establish. He aimed to prevent the presidency from becoming a lifelong position or a monarchy, striving instead for a legacy of democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power.

His Farewell Address played a crucial role in shaping the tradition of peaceful power transfer that has endured for over two centuries, marking a foundational principle of American democracy.

John the Baptist had an extraordinary attitude. He recognized that the Father gives different missions to different children of the King. The Father assigned John and the Lord Jesus Christ significantly different responsibilities. There was no reason for competition or envy. Knowing who we are and what specific area of service the Father has designated allows us to embrace our roles joyfully. We can delight in serving the Father and find meaning and fulfillment in our assignment.

The disciples of John the Baptist were loyal and deeply devoted. They were protective of him and sought to safeguard his area of service. They felt that the Lord Jesus Christ was intruding into John’s turf. Large crowds were now coming to the Lord Jesus Christ. Close your eyes. Can you see John’s whiny, complaining disciples grumbling and discontent? Look a little closer and see John standing there resolutely and gently soothing their concerns gracefully, calming them down. It was easy for them to harbor resentment. But the time had come to let go of the things they needed to relinquish.

John clearly understood his purpose and mission. He was the forerunner of the Messiah. The Father sent him into the world to announce the coming of His Son. John knew full well that he was not the Messiah. He was sent as a messenger to announce His arrival. As the Messiah’s coming drew near, John recognized that his assignment as the forerunner was ending.

“John’s consciousness of the subordinate and temporary character of his mission was expressed in the single sentence” (Tenney).

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

John was fully conscious that his mission was nearing its end. With this awareness, he gracefully stepped aside. He understood that his time in the limelight was over.

John 5:35-38

 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message.

 36 But I have a greater witness than John – my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.

 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face,

 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me– the one he sent to you.

REFLECT & PRAY

When we allow the Lord Jesus Christ to occupy His proper place in our lives, everything else comes together.

Father how often have I put myself first and focused on my needs and wants? Help me to look outside of myself to You.

INSIGHT

John the Baptist epitomized a life devoid of envy or jealousy. He was born to prepare the way of the Lord. He embodied true humility by understanding his role and finding joy in helping others succeed in their efforts. He recognized the distinction between being a bridegroom and being a friend of a bridegroom. But

John drew upon the poignant Jewish tradition of the shoshben. The shoshben was the groom’s closest friend and was responsible for arranging the wedding details and safeguarding the bridal chamber. This role is akin to what we know today as the best man at a wedding in American culture. John sees himself as playing the role of “the friend of the bridegroom.” Competition between the groom and the friend of the groom was unthinkable.

After successfully uniting the bride and groom, the best man’s job was considered complete. He eagerly waited to hear the bridegroom’s voice from within the bridal chamber when, for the first time, the bride dropped her veil. I can only imagine the bridegroom saying something like, “How lovely!” The bridegroom’s friend then went away rejoicing, for his mission was accomplished, and the lovers were together (Barclay).

In answer to their complaints, it would have been very easy for John to feel injured, neglected, and unjustifiably forgotten. But John was above that. His credo was extraordinary.

John 3:27 No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

The Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples three things.

1) John told them that He never expected anything else.

2) No man could receive more than what the Father gave him.

3) John called Jesus the bridegroom and himself the friend of the bridegroom.

Once his mission was accomplished, John the Baptist willingly and joyfully stepped back from the limelight and prominence of center stage.

Imagine the jealousies, the heartaches, and the bitterness that every child of the King could avoid if we simply acknowledged that the success of others is a gift bestowed upon them by the Father (Barclay).

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© Dr. H 2024

Terminals or channels? ∙

Terminals or channels? ∙

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.

 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.

 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

 8 To one person, the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another, the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.

 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else, the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.

 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

 11 The one and only Spirit distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

For centuries, ships had to sail around the tip of South America to reach the West Coast of America. This was very time-consuming and often fraught with hazards. Recognizing the need for a more direct maritime path, the Isthmus of Panama was chosen to become a channel for maritime trade. The construction of the Panama Canal stands as one of the most significant and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. It is a testament to human ingenuity and determination. But the Panama Canal was well worth the effort.

Under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt, the United States embarked on the monumental task of constructing the canal across a 50-mile stretch in Panama starting in 1904. Through groundbreaking public health efforts, the threat of yellow fever was eradicated. Its source was identified and eliminated by ridding the area of disease-carrying mosquitoes. In 1914, the Panama Canal was inaugurated, creating a crucial maritime corridor between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The area where the canal was to be built was part of Columbia. The nation of Panama did not exist. An independence movement resulted in the formation of the Republic of Panama. The United States recognized it on November 6, 1903. The United States was granted exclusive and permanent possession of the Panama Canal Zone. In exchange, Panama received $10 million and an annuity of $250,000 beginning nine years later.

A terminal signifies an endpoint of something. South America was the natural divide between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Pacific Ocean terminated at the West Coast of South America, while the Atlantic Ocean terminated on the East Coast of South America. The Panama Canal transformed these coastal terminals into a channel between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. The creation of the Panama Canal bridged these vast bodies of water.

This transformation from a terminus to a channel mirrors a broader spiritual principle, emphasizing the importance of being conduits of connection and flow rather than endpoints. Just as the Panama Canal serves as a channel for global commerce and navigation, the Father intends for each child of the King to be a channel, not a terminal.

John 7:38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.”

“Jesus was referring to the experience of Israel recorded in Exodus 17:1-7. That water was but a picture of the Spirit of God. Believers would not only drink the living water, but they would become channels of living water to bless a thirsty world! The “artesian well” that He promised in John 4:14 has now become a flowing river!” (Wiersbe).

The Lord Jesus Christ assured that those who place their faith in Him will have streams of living water flowing from the depths of their being. As children of the King, we are called to be channels of this living water. We are to be channels, not mere repositories and terminals.

REFLECT & PRAY

As the Father quenches our spiritual thirst, we are to pay it forward and satisfy the spiritual thirst of others.

Father thank You for Your kind intention of making each child of the King a channel of blessing for others in need. Please make it so.

INSIGHT

Something entirely new was about to happen to all who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He promises that the Holy Spirit will enter every child of the King when they believe in Him. His work within our hearts is likened to abundant streams of flowing out water of us to enrich and benefit others.

John 7:38-39

 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”

 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)

The Holy Spirit fulfills a similar role on a spiritual level. The Holy Spirit spiritually satiates the deep thirst of the soul and satisfies the inner person, empowering them to bear spiritual fruit. “The expression ‘out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’ means out of the person’s inward parts or inner life would flow streams of help to others” (BBC).

“All who believe on Him will have their own needs supplied and will receive rivers of spiritual blessing that will flow out from them to others. All through the Old Testament, it was taught that those who accepted the Messiah would be helped themselves and would be channels of blessing to others (Isaiah 55:1)” (BBC).

This is similar to what the Lord Jesus Christ said to the Samaritan woman. He offered her living water. He told her that it would become a spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:13-14). This closely resembles streams of living water flowing from the heart.

Children of the King are members of the body of Christ. Each is given a spiritual gift, ways to serve, and the results of their service.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.

 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.

 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Children of the King are diverse in their natural and spiritual makeup. These gifts are not intended to be bottled up or terminated. Instead, they are designed to be used for the common good. With these gifts, we are to help and build each other up.

“‘To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for mutual benefit.’ The gifts are given to individuals so that they may benefit others and serve the whole body” (Garland).

“No one can be indwelt by the Spirit of God and keep that Spirit to himself. Where the Spirit is, He flows forth” (Temple). Could it be if there is no flowing forth, the Holy Spirit is not there?

How is your flow?

1 Peter 4:10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

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© Dr. H 2024

Turning away from the living God ∙

Turning away from the living God ∙

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. – Hebrews 3:12

2 Peter 3:17 I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing.

In the current era, faith in the Biblical God and the tenets of the Bible has been significantly eroded, with many individuals seemingly distancing themselves from religious belief. Yet, a substantial segment of the American population continues to maintain a more or less conventional faith, a point drawn from Pamela Danziger’s work.

Danziger references a Pew Poll conducted in late 2021 involving approximately 6,500 American adults. The findings reveal that the majority of Americans still believe in the Biblical God, Heaven, and Hell and do not attribute human suffering to divine intervention.

Specifically, 58% of Americans identify their God as the one depicted in the Bible. In comparison, another third (32%) believe in some form of god or spiritual force, although not necessarily that of the Bible. All told, 9 out of 10 Americans believe in some higher power working in our world.

In terms of specific beliefs, about 73% of adult Americans believe in heaven, and slightly fewer, 62%, believe in Hell. Interestingly, 80% of Americans attribute worldly suffering to humans’ actions, not God. This is because God gave people free will. A slightly smaller percentage (about 9 out of 10) agree with the statement: “Human beings are free to act in ways that go against the plans of God or a higher power.”

68% of Americans believe that all events occur for a reason, with 56% attributing such reasons to being part of God’s greater plan. Only a minor share (14%) permits worldly suffering to shake their faith in God, and almost half (44%) believe that Satan is largely responsible for the suffering in the world.

When confronted with tragedies, 62% of Americans empathize with those affected, and 40% feel compelled to offer help. This is consistent with the United States’s status as the world’s most charitable nation.

Not only do Americans believe in God, but they also believe God has a plan for their lives. They also believe God is attentive, hears, and cares for them. Some 67% of Americans believe they can get a definite answer to prayer, and 46% believe they have had prayers answered.

Almost all adult Americans (91%) believe a higher power governs uncontrollable aspects of life. This belief extends to the understanding that science or natural causes cannot fully explain our world, a viewpoint aligning with 83% of Americans.

In conclusion, most Americans believe in God, whether it’s the Judeo-Christian God or another higher power. Why is this so? One answer is that the existence of God offers a logical, reasonable explanation for how the universe came to be and why each of us was placed on this earth at this time in history. It is an unshakeable belief that most Americans profess (Pamela Danziger).

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father gave us the Scriptures to facilitate our spiritual growth and maturation. They teach the truth about God, our world, and ourselves, correct us when we’re wrong, and explain how to become ever more effective servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Father thank You for giving all children of the King an unshakable foundation, the Word of God.

INSIGHT

The Father is not surprised by any world events. He knows all things before they transpire. In many cases, He provided prophecies to warn us of things to come.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times.

 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

After the apostle Paul delineates the horrific convulsions that will occur in the last days, he gives clear instructions to Timothy to be ready and prepared. Those instructions are just as valid now as they were nearly 2000 years ago.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

 10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.

 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra – but the Lord rescued me from all of it.

 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

The Father God has provided the foundation of our faith in the Scriptures. It is the firm bedrock upon which we build our lives. Timothy was raised by his Jewish mother and steeped in the rich traditions of the sacred writings of the Jewish people, the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15).

In addition, Paul transferred the knowledge of the gospel to Timothy. Over the centuries, the Scriptures have revealed the way to find God. Neglecting the Scriptures is not a wise choice. Due diligence and researching the word of God are crucial in the search for the truth.

Amazing things happen when we expose ourselves to the word of God.

For instance, in Brazil, Antonio from Minas purchased a New Testament, intending to burn it. He attempted to set it alight, but it wouldn’t burn. As he opened the pages to make it burn more readily, it opened at the Sermon on the Mount. His curiosity was piqued, and he started reading. Completely engrossed, he read throughout the night. As dawn broke, he stood up and professed, “I believe” (Barclay).

All Scripture is true and dependable; it is “God-breathed.” It is true, truth.

The Holy Spirit used people to write the word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21). “The Spirit did not erase the natural characteristics of the writers. God, in His providence, prepared the writers for writing the Scriptures. Each writer has their own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances. In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and His working through the Spirit, God brought about the miracle of the Scriptures” (Wiersbe).

The Scriptures are profitable. The term profitable is a translation of the Greek word ophelimos. It refers to something with the characteristic of usefulness: profitable, useful, beneficial, helpful, or advantageous.  When read, comprehended, and applied, children of the King are equipped to live successfully in a fallen world.

The world is not getting better. It is on a collision course with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Children of the King can be better prepared to successfully navigate the troubling times that have only just begun.

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© Dr. H 2024  

Why are you persecuting me ∙

Why are you persecuting me ∙

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” – Acts 9:4

Acts 9:1-6

 1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that he might bring them bound to Jerusalem if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women.

 3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly, a light from heaven flashed around him;

 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,

 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

In 2015, Ben Parr authored a book titled “Captivology: The Science of Capturing People’s Attention.” Drawing upon contemporary research in psychology and neuroscience, this work delves into the topic of attention – how to Capture it and Keep it.

“Captivology” presents an exploration of seven psychological triggers that are key to attracting and maintaining attention:

  • Automaticity – activate the senses
  • Framing – contextualize to appeal to your audience
  • Disruption – break expectations
  • Reward – create desire
  • Reputation – establish credibility
  • Mystery – leave things incomplete
  • Acknowledgment – contribute to your audience’s identity

The Father employs a myriad of methods to capture our attention. Sometimes, He is overt and communicates through dreams, visions, or angelic messengers. On rare occasions, He even enters the space-time continuum to make Himself visible to us. Saul, with his heart full of murderous intent towards Jewish Christians who had acknowledged Christ as their Messiah, was one such individual who experienced such a remarkable encounter. As Saul traveled the road to Damascus, bent on persecuting these believers, how did the Father get Saul’s attention?

Acts 9:1-2

 1 Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.

 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them – both men and women – back to Jerusalem in chains.

The Father had a different plan in mind, one that called for a major paradigm shift in Saul’s perspective and comprehension. After the Father got Saul’s attention in such a profound manner, Saul was never the same again. His prior life, objectives, and aspirations were relegated to the past. He underwent a complete reversal, a full 180° change.  The encounter with a blinding light and hearing the voice of Lord Jesus Christ brought Saul to his knees, leaving him bewildered and disoriented.

Nonetheless, Saul was knowledgeable about the Scriptures, so he was not unfamiliar with the Father’s history of similar interventions during the Old Testament era.

Acts 9:3-6

 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.

 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!

 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Saul had the presence of mind to recognize this was a divine visitation. He asked a straightforward question, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5).

The answer left him confused, perplexed, and speechless.

Acts 9:5-6

 5 The voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!”

 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The Lord orchestrated a divine wake-up call from His throne on high! He got Saul’s undivided attention and now had him exactly where he wanted him. The Lord had masterfully used the seven psychological captivation triggers.

Saul was under the false impression that he knew what the Father wanted him to do. He thought he was doing the will of God. He was completely sincere, but he was sincerely wrong.  It isn’t easy to envision how these words resonated with Saul. They completely contradicted everything Saul had fervently believed in before (Polhill).

There’s only one appropriate response when blessed with a divine visitation. In your own words, ask, “Lord, what would you like your servant to do?”

Saul didn’t have to ask any questions. The Father gave him precise instructions and additional directives to follow.

REFLECT & PRAY

Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love. Our God is an awesome God.

Father thank You for the Lord Jesus Christ, who has risen and ascended to heaven. Thank You that You got my attention.

INSIGHT

Before his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Saul had been oblivious to the fact that he was persecuting Christ Himself. He and others believed he was fulfilling the Lord’s will by ridding the world of Christians.

The transformation that took place within Saul was astonishingly swift. In a matter of days, he was preaching in synagogues, proclaiming that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Promised One, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel (Acts 9:20).

Imagine for a moment the internal debate Saul must have been having. He was reconsidering the misguided beliefs he had held onto all his life. His fervor for persecuting Jewish Christians was redirected towards spreading the gospel. Saul became devoted to imparting the truth. His writings would later constitute a significant portion of the New Testament.

Was the confrontation, temporary blindness, disorientation, and humiliation worth it?

Of course, yes, they were! Saul of Tarsus ceased to exist, replaced by Paul, the apostle who carried the gospel across the Roman world.

The Lord Jesus Christ is in the business of transforming lives. Saul of Tarsus serves as a prime example. Once a man driven by destructive tendencies and a desire to persecute, he became an apostle and teacher of truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The majority of the children of the King do not experience such a swift and drastic transformation.  It’s typically a gradual progression that unfolds over a lifetime. Nonetheless, the central message stays the same.

“I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.”

Don’t delay responding to the Lord when He moves to get your attention. Respond quickly and humbly, and listen for what He says to you (Stanley).

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© Dr. H 2024