Becoming children of God
Acts 26.1-23 (16-18)
This was
Saul/Paul's introduction to Jesus. This was Saul's 'conversion' experience. That
experience is called so many different things in present day Christianity. There
are those who refer to it as being 'born again,' 'converted,' 'saved,' etc.
John referred to it as becoming children of God (John 1:12) and he didn't
speak of it as a singular event but rather of a 'right' and a process.
Jesus' visit with Saul on that road to Damascus delineated the role of Saul/Paul
as a child of God:
1) Saul was to be a 'servant'
2) Saul was to be a 'witness'
Jesus was big on His followers being
servants...in fact, that was a primary theme in His discussions with the
disciples.
Jesus' instructions to the disciples was for them to "go and
be witnesses" of these things. What things? The things that they had seen and
heard.
Peter attested to the fact that he could only speak of the things
that he had seen and heard.
Personal experience is the substance of a
'witness.' Any validity that I might have as a Christian will be my own
experiences...that is my 'witness.'
As a child of God I am to be a
servant of all, and my life is to be my witness of His Grace and Mercy. As a
result of me living my life before everyone in such a way,
it will "...open their eyes
and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so
that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are
sanctified by faith in me."
This is a
'faith' thing. It is an experience. Our lives, if lived with humility and grace
and mercy, will be the 'witness' of Jesus that will bring people to receiving
the "right to become
children of God."
So now, get up and stand on your feet. Be what
you are supposed to be - before man and God.