2 KINGS 22:3-23:30
ACTS 21:37-22:16
PSALM 1:1-6
PROVERBS 18:11-12
Acts 21:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. 4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
I was struck by how Paul's past that was so violently against the followers of Jesus could have been a heavy and painful burden for him. Something that he could have chosen to hide and not talk about. But instead, it is a way for him to get the attention of the lost. They heard what he was saying and were likely impressed even though Paul was not proud of that. Our testimony should start with what our life was before Jesus. No matter how sinful and embarrassing it may be because God can use all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our past life could catch someone's attention as being relatable. It could be impressive to someone. It could break their heart. We don't know how God will use our story but we know that He will use it. So there is nothing in our lives that we need to keep hidden.
Acts 21:6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’
8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.
“ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me.
When we follow up our past with how we got to our present but telling them how Jesus entered our lives and changed it we can do it with great joy. When I think about my life before Jesus now it fills me with joy to recognize the depth of grace that He has given me and the comfort in knowing that I am no longer that person but a new creation in Christ Jesus.
So don't see your past as something to hide in embarrassment but see it a reminder of the love of Christ and how far He has brought you. And know that you were born with a purpose and God will use all of your life to accomplish that purpose when your surrender it all to Him.
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