Acts 9:19-22 - His enabling for ministry
Scripture:
Acts 9:19-22
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus,
20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
21 All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, "Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?"
22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
NASU
Thoughts:
Paul jumps right into the ministry of evangelism after his conversion (verse 20). There's a common belief I've found amongst Christians, that he did not immediately go into ministry. Clearly this is not the case, though there will be a gap before his greatest ministry begins.
It's cool to see that Paul is not intimidated by other, more established Christians, or anyone else. He does not feel unworthy to do ministry, but plunges right into it.
He also does not let his past hold him back. With his past (verse 21), many might feel that they should just be silent. But not Paul. He follows God's call, despite his past, and despite what anyone might think. In fact, his past study of the Law as a Pharisee actually enhances his ministry as his proof of Christ's divinity surely would have come from the Old Testament (verse 22).
Whenever we are led by the Lord into some kind of ministry, there's often an attack that comes along that says, "you can't do it" or "you shouldn't do it" and of course "you're not worthy." Our enemy does not want us to do God's will and does not want lives to be changed as a result. This is a good ploy of his to stop ministry before it can even start.
But, just like Paul, God wants to take each of us, with all of our past failures and successes, with all of our limitations, and involve us in His work. I believe there's a joy that comes from doing the will of our Father, that can be found nowhere else. And that He wants each Christian to know this for themselves.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for feeling intimidated at times to do ministry. For feeling like I'm unworthy. My unworthiness means that You will get that much more glory when You accomplish Your will through me! Forgive me for thinking too much about myself, and so little of those You would have me minister to.
Grant me the boldness and obedience to follow where You lead me, and to do all that You ask, depending on You.
Amen
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