Called to announce who God is
I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters;
In the midst of the congregation I will praise you. Psalm 22:22
Read Acts 26:9—18
I am reading Paul’s own account of his conversion, told years later, after he had travelled internationally, announcing God, announcing faith in Jesus, and suffering for it. So that’s why he was converted, to do that. It causes me to reflect: why was I converted? To do what? Surely, though I am not the apostle Paul, surely God called me to have some part, to engage in some way that fits my gifts and personality, somehow there must be a way for me to announce the fact of God and his forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Nor is my journey finished yet. Let me be ready tonight to ask God again why his call has come to me.
Lord, you called Paul, and his life has become infinitely precious even to me. You turned him from his way to yours. You called him from opposing you and persecuting the church to a marvellous, marvellous life surrendered to you. You speak to me today, still, through him. My life is not yet ended. I thank you for any and every way you have re-directed me. If you have used me to point another to Jesus I would be so honoured by that. I can think of nothing better, nothing at all. But perhaps you have in store for me a new engagement, a further field of service, some way for my life to be set apart for someone’s eyes to be opened to you. Even as I rest this night my life is in your hands. Speak into it. Show me clearly why I am called.