Job 11-13
Ramblings and speculations continue as Job and his “friends” try to figure out God.
I see so many people like that today, even though we now have a Bible. Our modern culture has invaded every aspect of society – including the church.
Today there are many Christians who don’t read the Bible and spend time with God. As a result, they are confused about His character and His ways. They continually speculate.
It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I believe God wants…” as they go on to say something totally out in left field. They say that because they haven’t sought to know their Savior. They are just speculating.
Today, we don’t have the excuse Job did. He had no Bible and knew very little about God. We not only have the Bible, but many teachers who know our Father very well and can help us to discover the truths.
I pray that you and I won’t descend to the level of outrageous speculation, but will go to our Father and His word and ask Him for answers. James says, “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”(James 1:5)
I praise Him for being such a great instructor.
Acts 9:1-21
You know the saying, “I saw the light?” I feel quite sure that the saying comes from Saul’s conversion. He truly “saw the light.”
Can you imagine the shock of Saul and the other travelers as a bright light beams around them – causing Saul to fall to the ground? (I’m not sure what caused him to fall. It could have been the presence of God overpowering him). Can you imagine their wonderment as a voice out of heaven startles them?
Blind and confused, Saul is taken to Damascus where he fasts for three days.
Now can you imagine the shock Ananias feels when he is told to go to Saul and lay hands on him? Ananias knows that Saul is one persecuting the church, and now he is supposed to go to the oppressor?
What a glorious moment when, as he obeys, the scales fall from Saul’s eyes and he begins to testify of his Lord.
God’s Word to Ananias, “He is a chosen instrument of mine to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.”(V.15)
Everyone is amazed. This is the first time that such a horrific opponent has openly been converted to Christianity. It’s scary, but it’s also thrilling to the others.
In modern times, we have seen quite a few dramatic conversions. C.S Lewis was an atheist before coming to Christ. Josh MacDowell was an agnostic. And we have seen many others. Often the ones who were the most adamantly opposed to Jesus become the most enthusiastic advocates.
That’s why we should never pre-judge people. There is no one who is beyond redemption when they truly encounter Jesus. That mean, ungodly person who works next to you may be on the verge of a great turnaround.
If God calls you to take the word to someone you know is totally lost, are you ready?
