Good news from bad
May those who sow in tears
Reap with shouts of joy. Psalm126:5
Read Acts 8:1-8
I have to notice who the lead persecutor was. I’m sure his companion, Luke, had a wry smile when he incriminated Saul, who became his great friend, his hero, the mighty apostle Paul. This Gospel we hold can do that to a man! Let me not forget it. And I must notice, equally, that the persecution pushed Christians out of their familiar territory, taking the Good News with them. Suddenly I am in Samaria, home and centre of prejudice and error, probably the last place Philip would have chosen to go if he’d pleased himself. I really have to be ready for God to turn the most unsettling events to his purpose, to put me in touch with those who need to meet him.
Father, thank you for the plan of God, the purpose of God, the work of God that you bring about through what I would never plan, never purpose, and actually avoid. You called the church’s great persecutor to become the great apostle and teacher and pastor and writer who still speaks to me today of your great grace. You used this persecution to bring the Good News to the most hated place, and people found wonderful freedom in Christ. I cannot think on these things without praying that you use even the persecution of the church today to spread the Good News. You will use the unplanned disturbances of my life to put me in the middle of your will and in the company of those you want me to meet.