GRACE OF HUMILITY
Second
of seven devotions in World Stage Series
1 Timothy 1:12-13: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given
me strength, that He considered me faithful, 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.”
Apostle
Paul wants to share his story:
“Originally
named Saul, I, Paul, am a Pharisee. Read
my impressive autobiography in Philippians 3:3-11. Jesus blew me away when He said that He’s
God’s Son!
I
approved Stephen’s stoning. His death
spurred me to try destroying every trace of the man we crucified—sending many
men and women who believed in Jesus to prison.
Luke wrote about me in Acts 8-9.
But let me tell you what changed my life:
On
my way to Damascus, an impossibly bright light flashed. I fell down, hearing, “Saul, Saul, why do
you persecute Me?”
“‘Who
are You, Lord?’ I asked.”
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Oh, NO!
My mind screamed, Jesus is alive! Jesus commanded me to go into the city. When I looked around, I was blind. My companions had to LEAD me. ME! So
embarrassed, I was no different from a blind beggar!
We
found Ananias in Damascus. He already
knew about me. Jesus commanded him to
restore my sight, and he didn’t want to.
But he did, anyway. Ananias told
me that I would suffer as Jesus’ instrument when taking His Word into the world.
I
began preaching ‘Jesus IS God’s Son, who suffered and died for forgiveness of
sins’ in the synagogue. There was power
in my words like never before. My fellow
Jews were confused hearing me preach the exact opposite what I used to say, and
planned to kill me.
I
felt unworthy of God’s love, ashamed of my previous actions. I admitted being
ignorant when persecuting followers of Jesus. I didn’t believe the truth until I met
Jesus. But, I repented immediately and
turned 180 degrees in the opposite direction.
I discovered God’s Spirit within me that strengthens me to preach so
boldly.”
Paul
shows how righteous love of self appears through the grace-of-humility lens on
the world’s stage.
Take Home Nugget
Listed
below are seven “Ds” that teach how to achieve the same grace of humility:
Die
to Self-Refuse to put
ourselves first.
Devoted-We’re to be share God’s truth as we
serve others.
Delight-Rejoice when God blesses others.
Depend-Wholly depend on God in every
circumstance.
Direct-Attitude adjustment of gratitude for
Christ’s grace and goodness.
Distance-Ourselves from pride and all its
enchantments, like wealth.
Determined-Obey God in every way, regardless of
worldly consequences.
Holy Lord, teach grace of humility like Paul
shows, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
J.D. Griffith
Written
for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.com.
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