“Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on the name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’ Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. “
Acts 9:19b-25

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JANUARY 9, 2025

When we believe the gospel and realize the amazing things Jesus has done for us, how can we keep quiet? Before Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, Saul lived life consistent with what he believed God had called him to: strict obedience to the law in every detail.

Now his eyes were literally opened to a whole new understanding of the Scriptures, which proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Saul was convinced. Saul knew his fellow religious leaders were either unaware of or even opposed to this. Nevertheless, Saul spoke out boldly to his countrymen in the synagogues of Damascus.

Saul was unashamed.

How is it that somewhere along the way we lose our passion for proclaiming the good news? If we really believed what we say we believe, would we be satisfied with our comfortable lives, giving lip service to our faith but never actually telling anyone about it?  We hold back from talking about the most important things because we are afraid of offending someone or being rejected. Saul offended the Jews of Damascus, and he was certainly rejected! Yet he could not stop excitedly declaring the truth he was experiencing in his body and soul.

Are you and I exercising love on behalf of our neighbors? Love is both action and words in the context of the gospel. It is not enough only preach or only serve people well: we must accompany acts of love with words of truth. We must be ready to explain why we engage by declaring that we have been deeply loved by Jesus. Our Lord has clearly told us that the way to love Him is by caring for the vulnerable and needy in His name—and “in His name” can include appropriate explanations of the hope we have found in Him.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul asked for prayer to do exactly that. May we echo the same request of one another.

“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…”
Ephesians 6:19                   

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What will you do in response to Jesus?
  • When was the last time you told your story or shared the gospel with someone?
  • If you have not written out your own “good news” story, or reviewed it recently, I encourage you to do so and share it with a brother or sister in Christ this week—or better yet, someone who has never heard.

 

Church Reading Plan: Genesis 9-10; Matthew 9