by Diana Durrill
Paul received a very specific calling from the Lord at the point of his salvation. He was transformed from feared persecutor of the church to the church's greatest missionary. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus he was given this clear path for his future:
Paul's confidence in his calling is evident as we journey with him through the New Testament, as demonstrated in today's reading. Paul is testifying in court that he has done nothing wrong, that he is being falsely accused. His confidence is so evident one can perceive it as either foolish arrogance or unbridled courage. We marvel at his boldness in the face of human authority and power, but when we reflect on the calling God had on his life we see where his confidence is grounded. He has no concern over the verdict because his marching orders come from the supreme authority of Jesus Christ.
Do we know the clear calling of Christ on our lives? Do we walk the path He's laid out before us with confidence? Do we boldly proclaim Jesus Christ? We have not heard the audible voice of the Lord but we too have been commissioned to go and make disciples of Christ. Like Paul, we can courageously live this life for the glory of the Lord as we proclaim the truths of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection!
Paul received a very specific calling from the Lord at the point of his salvation. He was transformed from feared persecutor of the church to the church's greatest missionary. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus he was given this clear path for his future:
"But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things which you have seen of me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:16-18Paul is told to "Go -- serve and testify of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles." Christ promises to deliver him from the hands of his own people and will use his message to open the eyes of the Gentiles so that they may know the salvation of the Lord.
Do we know the clear calling of Christ on our lives? Do we walk the path He's laid out before us with confidence? Do we boldly proclaim Jesus Christ? We have not heard the audible voice of the Lord but we too have been commissioned to go and make disciples of Christ. Like Paul, we can courageously live this life for the glory of the Lord as we proclaim the truths of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection!
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