Friday, August 21, 2026

Scripture

“You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism.  I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it.  I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.” Galatians 1:13-14

Reflections

The Apostle Paul thought he was doing the right thing when he was violently persecuting the Church.  After all, the ways of Jesus seemed to be contrary to what he was raised to believe.  He felt it was the right thing to save others from being exposed to those teachings.

But then he encountered the living Jesus Christ.  The truth of what God was doing through Jesus totally transformed his life.  God was able to accomplish great things through him.

We are surrounded by people who are living by the convictions of what has been passed down to them through their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents.  Some come from a religious background.  Others do not.  They may think they are doing the right thing.  But if they have yet to encounter the living Jesus Christ, they are missing out.  They have no idea of what God is really all about.  The unconditional love of God remains unknown.  They do not know what it is to live as a part of Christ’s kingdom.

But God can make himself profoundly known to anyone.  This is why we do not give up on anyone.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the ways in which you can profoundly reveal yourself.  I pray for those who have yet to know You.  Use me as a vessel of your gospel for the sake of others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Galatians 1:11-17