Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Acts 9:19-31 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

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Reflect

A God of Second Chances

I couldn’t stand Doug in school. Or rather, I was afraid of Doug in school. Doug wasn’t nice. In fact, he was a bully. He would push me out of line, call me names and even hit me in the back with a rock one time (and not some little pebble either). Hopefully, you didn’t know Doug or anyone like him. Sadly though, many have encountered their own “Dougs” throughout their lives and can understand the feeling of angst whenever they come around.

So, it’s no wonder that the Jews feel uptight when Saul comes around. Saul was a bully. He is the same man who held the jackets while they stoned Stephen. He is known for persecuting Jesus followers. And now, he claims to be following Jesus himself. Having Saul around brings fear to folks because they know what he is capable of and what he has done. They remember who he was and they know the stories told.

But as people of faith, we learn that the God who called us gives everyone a second chance, and many more. Just like God did for Saul. From the encounter on the Damascus Road, Saul has been changed from the inside out and now preaches the message of Jesus. And while the followers of Jesus are confused, the tables turn and now the Jews seek to kill Saul. It is a powerful message of the chances we are given by God and the choices we make to change.
I’ve read about Doug all these years later and how times have changed. He protects and serves as an officer and I bet he does a good job of it. Maybe one day we will talk again, but for now, I’m just glad that God gives us second chances (and more). Lord knows I’ve needed every one of them.

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Pray

Forgiving God, give us the courage to see others as you see them. Help us to let the past go and see the new people created by your grace and love. We thank you for the many opportunities to change our lives and pray we also choose wisely. Amen.

Go with God!