#15 | Take Time to Think
Read: Acts 9:1-19
Meditate on your own:
- What do you notice about the characters in this passage? How does the author use irony to describe Saul’s dramatic conversion?
- What verse/phrase stands out to you?
- What truth about God or mankind do you think you can draw from this?
- Where do you see other parts of the Bible saying the same thing?
- What are the implications of that truth? What would be opposite to that?
- How is this good news, both for you and for others? Who needs to hear it?
- What does this reveal about your own heart? What do you need to repent of? What do you need to ask God for?
Consider
What is the church? In Acts 9:1-19 it is called “the Lord’s disciples” (v.1), those who “belonged to the Way” (v.2), the Lord’s “holy people” (v.13), and those who “call on [Christ’s] name” (v.14). All these titles are significant and worthy of meditating on, yet perhaps the most striking is Jesus’ own description of the church. Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the church until he is stopped in his tracks by Jesus himself, who does not ask, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute my disciples?” or “my holy people,” or “the people who call on my name” — he asks, “why do you persecute me?” Jesus so loves and identifies with his people that to persecute them was (and is) to persecute him.
If you are a Christian, soak in the truth that Jesus, the one from whom and through whom and to whom are all things, loves you as though you were his own body. Indeed, Saul would go on to teach that the church is Christ’s body, even his bride! (Eph. 1:23, 5:25-27) Just as you nourish and cherish your body, so Christ nourishes and cherishes you (Eph. 5:29). He is in control and is able do the seemingly impossible, from bringing life from death to turning the church’s fiercest enemy into its greatest champion. Rest in his love and hold fast to his promises, trusting that he is working all things to shape those who love him into his image. What’s more, not only does Jesus so lovingly identify with his people that to persecute them is to persecute him, but also to love his people is to love him (Matt. 25:41).
Take a moment to reflect. Though you don’t actively persecute the church like Saul,
consider the disposition of your heart towards the Christians around you. Do you love that weird guy at church, or that one annoying lady? What about other Christians at other churches who believe things that you don’t agree with? What about the believing members of your family that you’d sooner volunteer for a root canal than be in the same room with, let alone hear more about their problems? Jesus loves them as much as he loves you. In fact, to love them is to love him. Take time to pray through Romans 5:6-8, basking in Jesus’ love for you, praising him for his sacrificial death on the cross on your behalf, and pleading for his help to love his people.
Then, think about how you can practically display his love for your family in Christ.
Pray:
Use the acronym IOUS, turning the prayers of the Psalmist into your own.
Incline my heart to you and not to prideful gain or any false motive!
Psalm 119:36
Open my eyes to behold wonderous things out of your Word.
Psalm 119:18
Unite my heart to fear your name.
Psalm 86:11
Satisfy me with your steadfast love.
Psalm 90:14
