No One Else Like You. Thank Goodness.

Reading: Acts 9:26-31

Reflection: Saul, who became the apostle Paul, was not an easy person to get along with it seems. As we read his story, we often find him in conflict. At first, he at the center of the movement to persecute the early church. Then he becomes a follower of Jesus and, in today’s passage, we find him debating with the Hellenistic Jews, making them angry enough that they wanted to kill him. This helped his cause with the believers who had been wary of him at first, but it also reveals something of Paul’s character – that he was a strong, confrontational, and confident person.

These are not qualities we usually associate with those who are called by God. In fact, generally we expect those who are called by God to be gentle, compassionate, gracious, and kind. There are two elements of today’s reading that teach us about the intersection of God’s grace and call.

Firstly, when the believers are afraid of Saul, Barnabus takes him under his wing, and draws him into the community of believers. It was the grace and courage of Barnabus that enabled Saul to be integrated into the church and eventually find and fulfil his call as an apostle.

Secondly, the character of Saul, which we’ve already explored, did not get changed in order for him to fulfill his call. It was exactly who he was that God used to grow the early church. We are all called to participate in God’s saving work, and we are all called as we are. Perhaps we are like Barnabus, graciously welcoming people into the faith. Or perhaps we’re like Saul, challenging people.

Whoever you are, can you accept God’s call?

Practice for Today: When we take time to reflect on ourselves in the light of the Spirit’s discernment, we can learn who God has made us to be and find what God calls us to do. Today, try to spend some time in Spirit-guided self-reflection.

Prayer for Today: O God, show me who you have made me to be, and teach me accept your call to share your grace.

Communion with Christ