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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness Gal 5:22 |
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Dear
Friend,
If you do not already have a habit of gathering daily manna the first thing in the morning (we can look at the example given to us in Exodus 16 and find the pattern for make it a habit. Establish your life and your schedule to allow you the necessary time to do your daily collection first thing every morning to give you the strength to make it through the day. And remember that today’s manna will not be sufficient for tomorrow; tomorrow’s manna must be collected tomorrow morning. Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Today's Passage : Today's Passage :The Conversion of Saul Bible Verse:Acts 9:1-9 (NKJV) "Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 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.” 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.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. " Message:
Paul gets something in the nature of an arrest warrant, or warrant of extradition (since Damascus was not part of Judea) from the high priests; this would have included permission from the Roman authorities, because Damascus was not in Judea; it was part of the Decapolis and not under Herod’s jurisdiction. His specific authority was to arrest Christians and bring them in chains to Jerusalem, where they could be tried for heresy and executed or imprisoned.
By all appearances, Saul is rabidly anti-Christian and eager to play henchmen for the high priests.
The Scripture is mostly straightforward. In a famous Bible scene, Saul is knocked to the ground by a flash of light, and told by the voice of Jesus (heard by his companions) to stop persecuting Him. He is struck blind and cannot eat; but, despite this, he follows the Voice’s instructions. The three-day period of suffering parallels the three days of Christ’s passion.
Saint Paul traveling
One phrase in the lesson — “It is hard for you to kick against the goads (or pricks)” — is difficult to understand and omitted from many translations. A goad was typically a sharp stick or prod used to drive cattle. In the ancient Greek and Roman times, the phrase was a well-known expression indicating that someone was opposing a deity. So we might read this to mean that Saul, deep in his heart, is troubled by his actions. He was unknowingly opposing God.
Perhaps more likely is the opposite interpretation. Jesus’ mention of Saul being goaded might refer to the worldly authority that had driven Saul to his activism against Christians. Christ would thus be telling Saul, “I understand how difficult it is for you to resist the armed and violent Jewish establishment.”
At any rate, we must remember that Saul is not some heathen murderer. He believes in God and is a devout Jew. Hearing the voice of God in such a miraculous manner, saying “I am Jesus,” would have a profound impact on him. His heart was fertile soil for the seeds of salvation; and his innovative and energetic nature, shown in his zealous pursuit of heretical Christians, will remain with him after his conversion.
Meditation : Prayer : The blessing of the Lord rest and remain upon all his people, in every land, of every tongue; the Lord meet in mercy all that seek him; the Lord comfort all who suffer and mourn; the Lord hasten his coming, and give us, his people, the blessing of peace...........Amen |
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