Play your part
Did you know that there are 27 books in the New Testament part of the Bible? Of those 27 books 22 are letters, and can you guess the person who wrote 13 of them? It’s a man we know as Paul.
We first come across Paul in the book of Acts (chapter 7) when he was known as Saul of Tarsus. He is described as a young man who ‘breathed out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples.’
He was a Pharisee, one of Israel’s religious leaders, and he was vehemently against the early Christians and actively sort to persecute them.
As he travelled to a town called Damascus to make prisoners of the Christians there, he had a dramatic encounter with the post-resurrected Jesus which led to his conversion to Christianity.
God used two people in that process. The first, was a man called Ananias who had heard what Saul was doing and was a bit reluctant to help...
“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’”
The second man was called Barnabas, who saw how God had changed Saul and took him under his wing...
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ”
We don’t hear too much about Ananias and Barnabas, but they both played significant roles in Saul’s life. One was part of his conversion and the other cared for him as a new Christian.
Both Ananias and Barnabas were obedient to God and saw something in Saul. They were part of his journey that led him to become one of the most important people in the New Testament. Those 13 letters he wrote are a vital part of the Bible, and some of the best Christian literature ever written!
These details, in the Bible, show us the rich tapestry and importance of how different people can play significant roles in the lives of others.
Take a moment to think who has been important in your life’s journey? Now consider those around you. How can you encourage, shape and influence them for good?
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Stay safe & God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader