Reading
SAA Notes
David’s Greater Son meets Saul of Benjamin (Paul was a Benjaminite) and wins him; something David could not do himself with King Saul. Jesus can do what the greatest spiritual leader cannot.
SJA Notes
* Lord God, thank You for Your word today. Please plant it deep within us, and grow it, that we might be good soil and bear much fruit.
“But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”
Look at the hand of the Lord on Saul.
God took this zealot who ravaged the young church, took and called him, saved him and set him on a path of particular ministry.
Immediately Paul begins proclaiming and proving that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).
Sometimes this can be a hard thing for us to think about doing ourselves (proclaiming, preaching Jesus).
Sometimes we ourselves are confounded and trip over our words, even when trying with simple words to tell people about Jesus.
Sometimes we have no answer for people’s questions, sometimes we cannot think quickly on our feet.
All the above let alone proving to a first century Jewish person that their Messiah was this Jesus!
What can help us?
God’s word goes out from us with God empowering, not us.
God’s will is sovereign and His calling is strong (and works through our weakness).
God’s message of salvation can be spread through all kinds of witness. A heart for the lost, a spirit of thanksgiving, a kind word in season, a helping hand to the frail, a visit for the lonely.
And more. Our God loves us. HE LOVES US!
What else can we do but respond in turn, showing His love to those around!
* Father God,
Please help us to be fearless like Paul in telling people about Jesus.
Thank You that Your word does not return empty, this good news about Jesus – It is powerful and alive!
Thank You Lord!
Amen.