Day 19 - Saved to Serve

Scripture Reading — Acts 9:1-28; 2 Timothy 1:8-12

You can witness a story of powerful transforming grace in the movie Les Miserables. Jean Valjean was arrested for stealing a loaf of bread. Finally released after 19 years in prison, he couldn’t find a place to stay until a bishop graciously offered him lodging. The penniless Valjean stole some silver from the bishop’s home and fled. Captured the next day, he was brought back to the bishop. But instead of accusing him, the bishop said he had given Valjean the silver, and then he also gave Valjean two silver candlesticks. Overwhelmed with the extravagance of grace, Valjean’s priorities changed. He surrendered his life to God and worked to help others.

In the Bible, we learn of another powerful transformation story. Saul was a well-known persecutor of Christians. But that was before he met Jesus in a blinding vision on the road to Damascus. Then, after Saul was brought into the city by the men traveling with him, Jesus told a disciple named Ananias to bring Saul a message and restore his sight. Ananias responded, “Really?” He reminded the Lord that Saul had come to arrest believers in Jesus.

The story of Saul’s conversion caused a lot of people to ask, “Really?” Ananias’s fear was joined later by the amazement of others. Even the disciples of Jesus in Jerusalem could not believe the news. Only the courage and kindness of Barnabas helped Saul get an introduction to the apostles. What changed?

Saul changed. Saul had met Jesus. He had been blind, but now he saw the truth. An unlikely instrument—a persecutor of the church—became a preacher and teacher for Jesus.

God’s extravagant grace was present before the beginning of time, has been revealed in Jesus, and continues for eternity. Maybe you have thought about using a gift for God and have heard Satan whisper, “Really?” Don’t be discouraged. We are all unlikely instruments of God’s grace.

Lord, help us to know that by your grace and through your Spirit, you bring unlikely sinners to service in your kingdom. May we be bold for you. Focus our eyes on your extravagant grace. May we become captivated with the mercy of Jesus Christ so that we offer ourselves totally to your service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.