Friday, April 3, 2026

Scripture

“I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:9-10a

Reflections

Notice the humility of Paul.  He does not brag about his role as an apostle, sent out with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He is fully aware of his shortcomings, his earlier years of being a violent persecutor of the followers of Jesus.  He is an apostle by the grace of God.

We may not have had a history of persecuting Christians but if we’re honest with ourselves, we have our own shortcomings.  We know there are times when we have let God down.  But this is where the grace of God comes in.  God still favors us—despite our worst moments.  We may not be the greatest of apostles, but we are not less in the eyes of God because of it.

Not only that but God gives each of us a calling.  We have each been given a special place within his kingdom, to fulfill a special purpose.  God chooses imperfect people such as us to be his presence in the world.  He gifts us with his Spirit.  The good that we do is through the Spirit of God at work in us.

This is who we are, a people who have been called by God, empowered through the Spirit, and sent into the world.  By his grace and favor we get to be his presence in this world.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the gift of your Spirit and the gift of a special calling.  Be at work through my actions.  Speak through my words.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11