13 October | Teens
«But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.» Acts 9: 15
Did you know that Jesus' love is so great, but so great, that it reaches even those who don't like Him? The story of Saul in Acts 9:1 to 18 is a perfect example of this. Saul didn't like the people who followed Jesus. In fact, he disliked them and even persecuted them. But something incredible happened! While Saul was on his way to Damascus to find and arrest more followers of Jesus, he himself met Jesus in a surprising way.
A light from Heaven shone around Saul, and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” That moment changed Saul's life forever. He, who was a persecutor of Jesus' followers, became one of them. More than that, Saul, who soon adopted the name Paul, became one of the world's greatest preachers of Jesus' love.
Knowing that Jesus can turn a persecutor into a spreader of His love shows us that He rejects absolutely no one. Maybe you know someone who mocks Jesus or persecutes the people in your church. Remember, Christ's love is for that person too! Saul's example teaches us that there is no heart so closed that Jesus' love cannot open it.
Take Action
Pray for those people who appear to be “enemies” or persecutors of Christianity today. Ask that, just as Saul had a transforming encounter with Jesus, these people may also experience the love and transformation that only Jesus can offer.