Today's thought - 15 June 2026 (Paul)

 

So, we looked at Jacob, let’s have a quick look at Paul. Paul’s encounter as we know was on the road to Damascus. What is interesting is what he says after Jesus said to him, why are you persecuting me. The Bible says in Acts 9:

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads (It means that resisting divine direction or fighting an inevitable truth only leads to self-inflicted pain).” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do".

Ok so here is what we need to see here. Paul, after his encounter, simply said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”. His first words were humbly submitting to the Lord and giving his life for the Lord. I think in essence his life was dedicated to scripture and to God although he did not see the truth.

Now many Christians are Christians by definition and they go to church and they quote scripture and they will say let me pray for you, yet they still miss the truth. To my opinion living a life for Jesus is literally living the way of Jesus Christ. I think we like to sugar coat the Bible and we tend to live it half dedicated. I used to smoke when I was younger. Younger meaning twenty odd years ago and today the smell of smoke really annoys me. When I look at my life living it as a mediocre or lukewarm Christian it seems to annoy me also. Maybe I am too hard on myself, but I really despise it when I fail or I make a mistake and I have to get to my knees and beg for God’s forgiveness. I always say that I do not want to sound like a broken record player and that God should give me the strength to withstand the things I struggle with or remove it from my life. I think it boils down to the fear of the Lord. The respect we should have and live out for who He is. So, yes, I do not like it very much.

Back to Paul. So, why is Paul’s encounter so important to me. Well simply how it altered his life and his direction. How he persistently preached the gospel in hostile environments and despite pain or hurt or loss, he just pressed on and continued to take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world. His determination in adverse circumstances is inspiring and amazing. He praised and worshipped in jail, even when he was tortured or beaten, he rejoiced and he lived a life contempt even when he had nothing to eat. His entire way of life and his commitment to the Lord is unbelievable and honestly, I feel that I can’t even stand in his shadow let alone do what he did, yet he writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.

Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

My dear friend. Paul’s encounter should inspire us to take up our cross and to carry the gospel into our world, our workplace, our homes, our families, our challenges and to all the people we meet each day. Time is short and the coming of our Lord is getting closer. Do not miss the opportunity to share the gospel and to win the lost at any cost. Let’s plunder hell and populate heaven.

Have an awesome day.