Scripture
17“After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’ 19“‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’ 21“But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’” Acts 22:17-21
Observation
I love Paul’s transparency in his testimony with the murderous crowd in Jerusalem. As he recounted his conversion he not only described the moment on the Damascus road where Jesus confronted him and he was blinded by the light, but he also included an argument with Jesus he had later on about 2-3 years after his conversion. Paul was arguing with Jesus about all the reasons he would be the perfect one to witness of Jesus to the Jews. His story would be impossible to argue with as everyone knew of his Jewish pedigree and education and his murderous reputation with Jewish Christians. Who better to stand up and proclaim the wonders of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ? Paul, had presented a convincing argument to Jesus filled with historical accuracy and logical conclusions. Jesus didn’t seem to pay any attention to his objections. The Lord reminded him of his call to the Gentiles at his conversion (Acts 9:15) and told him to go and walk out his calling whether it made sense to him or not.
Application
Jesus didn’t make sense. God sent an undedicated fisher man named Peter to reach the Jews and he sent an educated Pharisee to reach the Gentiles. This required both of them to lean in on Him rather than their own strengths and traditions. Where have I been arguing with Jesus instead of obeying Him? I remember having similar arguments with Jesus when ministering in Hawaii. It didn’t make sense for a large hairy haole to pastor in a place to a people that I was not from. I often felt insecure that my background was more of a hindrance than a help as so many had been hurt historically by “the white man”. This required humility on my part to lean in to learn from the Lord and from the amazing people of Hawaii. As is always the case, I learned much more from them than they did from me. I saw Jesus in a new way through their eyes and I will be forever grateful to have been sent to Hawaii. It didn’t make logical sense, but I saw Jesus do some pretty amazing things through relationships built during that time. God ended up using this place of humility to tear down walls on both sides that I will always cherish. I remember arguing with Jesus when I felt Him asking me to step in as youth pastor at The Father’s House for a season. He told me clearly, “this is not a demotion, it’s a promotion.” I was too old, I was already pastoring the church and leading the worship team and didn't think this was going to work. I kept trying to bring in other youth leaders to take my spot, but it wasn’t the right timing. I had a front row seat on what Jesus was doing in this next generation and, as in Hawaii, learned much more from them than they did from me. I saw youth come to Christ and filled with Holy Spirit and wouldn’t trade that for anything. I’m so glad Jesus didn’t listen to my logical arguments against it. I wonder what other areas in my life I’ve been arguing instead of obeying Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the arrogance in thinking that my logical arguments somehow supersede Your eternal plans? What arrogance makes me think I can outthink You? You are always going to put me in a place where I must lean in on you and those around me to walk out Your plan. This is invitation to daily humility.
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