Our Daily Walk with Christ Devotional – October 1, 2024
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.” —1 Timothy 1:12-13, NIV
The History of Saul the Persecutor of Christians
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1). Saul was also directly responsible for the merciless killing of Stephen, the Martyr (Refer to Acts chapter 7).
Jesus Rescues Saul—This is God’s Grace
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.” —Acts 9:3-5
As we read further into the story, after Saul’s life-changing encounter with Jesus, He was blind for 3 days and fasted—ate no food. During this time, Saul repented, his heart was fully converted, and he consecrated himself to a life-long commitment for the service of God.
From Saul to Paul
Christ did not change Saul’s name, but He did transform Saul’s heart. The Apostle Paul had two names Saul, his Hebrew name, and Paul, his Greek name. He was a Jew born in Rome. He chose to use his Hebrew name, Saul, until sometime after he began to believe in and preach Christ. After that time, as ‘the apostle to the Gentiles’ (Romans 11:13), he used his Roman name, Paul. Gotquestions.org
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” —2 Corinthians 5:17
The fact that Saul chose to use the name Paul has a spiritual significance. He understood that he was no longer the former sinful person who sought to imprison and murder Christians. From his willingness to dedicate his life to God, the Apostle Paul began his ministry of witnessing to the Gentiles, starting several churches.
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers…” —Ephesians 4:11
Not only did Paul accept his spiritual assignment by dedicating his life to starting the early Christian church, but the Holy Spirit inspired him [the words of the Holy Scriptures were given to the Apostle Paul by God, the Holy Spirit] to write most of the books of the New Testament. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things because He strengthens us with His power.
The conversion of Saul from a murderer to an anointed Apostle of Jesus Christ has much significance for today’s Christian believers. From God’s love and through His grace, Christ died a heinous, criminal’s death on Calvary’s Cross for us. Still, we can rejoice! Through the plan of Redemption, we are privileged to be called the children of God when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.
From our yes to Christ’s invitation, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and our minds, characters, and personalities are transformed into the likeness of Christ. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).
“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus…” —1 Corinthians 1:4
Because our hearts are overflowing with love for God and immense gratitude for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, the past sinful desires of our hearts no longer exist. We do not think, speak, or act in the same manner we did before we accepted Christ, our lives reveal that we are one with Christ. With humility, we seek God in prayer for our goals to align with the will of God.
The Grateful Heart Is Filled with God’s Love
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma.” —Ephesians 5:1
“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is…but be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord and giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” —Ephesians 5:17, 19-20
Like the Apostle Paul, we proclaim our worship for Jesus, our Triumphant King through the praises from our mouths and the prayers of thanksgiving. Every day, we receive new mercies and strive to live righteously, demonstrated by our spoken words and lifestyle. Yes, our prayers and the eagerness to know the word of God (Daily Bible study) reveal our love and gratitude for Jesus coming down from His throne in heaven to live a life of poverty and suffering for us.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your great sacrifice. We thank you for loving us with an everlasting love. Today, we dedicate and consecrate our lives to you. From this day forward, we will possess hearts of gratitude and serve You with obedience. We ask this prayer in your Holy Name, Amen.
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