Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Transformation of
Creation
“Here is a trustworthy saying that
deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into world to save sinners – of
whom I am the worst.” v. 15 (NIV)
Long ago, there was a man who lived in the Middle East.
He was well educated in Jewish law but, hated Christians. He gave into
his religious convictions and that drove him to persecute those that he did not
like. He organized mass torture and killing of Christians and he was
consumed by the passion of it and proclaimed murderous threats against the
Lord’s disciples. After getting approval from his religious leaders, he
set out to hunt down more of the Lord’s disciples, but on his way something
miraculous happened, he had an encounter with the one who he had
been persecuting and that moment transformed his life, name and who he lived
for (Acts 9). This is the testimony of a faithful servant of our Lord
Jesus who was then called Saul who later became Paul.
In 1 Timothy, chapter 1, we see Apostle Paul giving his
testimony as we have observed in other writings of Paul (Philippians
3:4-11). Apostle Paul’s testimony involves the elements of conviction and
repentance. It resonates with his awareness of his guilt and humility,
echoing in his declaration “of whom, I am the worst” (v.15).The transformation
of Saul to Paul happened when he came face to face with the one true God and
became a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Christ came into this world to save sinners like me and you, and to transform our lives. As God used Paul and turned him into a new leaf, God can still get hold of us and change us, our names, our misconceptions, our hatred, the purpose of our lives, and most importantly, forgive our sins. Changed lives are one of the greatest testimonies to the grace, love and power of our everlasting God- because this change for each one of us, is the only change that is radical and deep. Confessing and humbling ourselves before the Lord allows the bright light of God’s forgiveness to enter the dark corners of our hearts. And through forgiveness and grace Jesus heals the disease of sin.
Christ came into this world to save sinners like me and you, and to transform our lives. As God used Paul and turned him into a new leaf, God can still get hold of us and change us, our names, our misconceptions, our hatred, the purpose of our lives, and most importantly, forgive our sins. Changed lives are one of the greatest testimonies to the grace, love and power of our everlasting God- because this change for each one of us, is the only change that is radical and deep. Confessing and humbling ourselves before the Lord allows the bright light of God’s forgiveness to enter the dark corners of our hearts. And through forgiveness and grace Jesus heals the disease of sin.
Humility is essential for recognizing the sins in our
life. It allows us to openly admit that we need God and ask for His forgiveness.
God promises that everyone who confesses their sins and believes in him will be
forgiven (Acts 10:43).
Thought For the day: Is sin damaging my
relationship with God? Is my pride stopping me from humbling myself?
Prayer: Jesus, please forgive my many sins and give me your
strength to fearlessly witness my story that others may see your grace and
mercy.
Mathews Athyal , MTC, Atlanta