RPG Adults
A BURNING HATRED
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7
Acts 9:1-2
John 16:2-4
“…the time cometh,
that whosoever killeth you
will think that he doeth God service.”
A BURNING HATRED
One significant testimony of the power of the gospel of Jesus is the life of Paul. How his life turned 180 degrees is beyond human explanation. His burning hatred turned into burning love. But for now, we must see the burning hatred of Saul against the believers. Without Acts 9:1-2, the miracle of his conversion cannot be as highly appreciated as a great testimony of the power of God.
“Against the disciples”: In the whole Bible, the Greek word translated as “breathing out” appears only here in Acts 9:1. The word somewhat describes a raging bull, very furious and fierce in attacking. One can almost hear the sound of Saul’s violent breathing in pursuing the disciples of the Lord. He was ignorant of the truth, so he asked for sanctions from the high priest as if his actions were honourable before God.
To any “of this way”: Saul craved for the priestly authority to wage his vicious attack against those who were “of this way” (Acts 9:2), even if he had to travel to Damascus, about 120 miles north-east of Jerusalem. Distance could not prevent him from seeking to eliminate those believers whom he thought were infesting the synagogues. He had no respect of persons whether male or female. Saul was ready to bind them and bring them back to Jerusalem.
Today, this same burning hatred is in the heart of many people who are against the Christian faith. They may not have the liberty to wage such violent acts today, but time will tell. Read Matthew 24:9.
Be prepared for we know not when this will come. First, be aware that this kind of persecution will be waged against the disciples of the Lord. Second, make sure we are found “of this way,” the straight and narrow way of the Lord Jesus Christ. Third, have the assurance that whatever happens, we have the New Jerusalem ahead of us in His eternal Kingdom, in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Do you have this security?
THOUGHT: Am I prepared to face persecutions?
PRAYER: Lord, please strengthen me and keep me always in Thy grace.