Good morning leaders and co-laborers in the Lord, do you remember what did Paul said to Jesus on the road to Damascus at the time of his conversion?
The Call of Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus. Acts 9:6 “Lord, what do You want me to do?” From that time, the life of Paul was never the same again.
This morning I wish to use the calling of Apostle Paul to do a reflection on our own calling by the Lord to serve him. Let us remember how the Lord has called us and recall the journey we had travelled with the Lord as we responded to his calling on our lives.
1ST POINT – A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO APOSTLE PAUL
After his encounter with Christ, and Saul became Paul. This begins an amazing journey of great adventure with the Lord. From the exhilarating heights of miracles, saving souls and planting churches to the bottom of the valley of suffering. Paul’s life was anything but boring. He described his experience in his epistles about his burdens, caring and carrying the weight of the churches he had planted, about his suffering, shipwreck, persecution , stoning and imprisonment.
God used him to explain the doctrine of salvation and Christ in the Book of Romans like no other apostles did. He also wrote many of what is known as the Pauline epistles, contributing to one third of the New Testaments.
2ND POINT - SNAPSHOTS OF HIS LIFE
If I were to take snap shots of his life by using some of the things he said or did. Here is a sampling.
1) Acts 21:10–14 The prophet Agabus told Paul that if he goes to Jerusalem, he would be taken prisoner by the Jewish leaders. His followers persuade him not to go there. But Paul answered, “WHY ARE YOU WEEPING AND BREAKING MY HEART? I AM READY NOT ONLY TO BE BOUND, BUT ALSO TO DIE IN JERUSALEM FOR THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.” He is passionate to live for Christ and to fulfil the mission that God has sent to carry out, regardless of the cost.
2) Later when he was on trial before King Agrippa that he was called to preach to the Gentiles. HE SAID I WAS NOT DISOBEDIENT TO THE HEAVENLY VISION (Acts 26:19). That he had been faithful to give up everything he had in order to be the Apostle to the gentiles.
3) FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, TO DIE IS GAIN. PHIL 1:21 For Paul, he only lives for one thing. He lives for Christ and Christ alone.
This verse encapsulates the entire life of Paul and what he is willing to live and die for.
4) Finally, at the end of his life, Paul wrote 2 Tim 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
3RD POINT – REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Remember that we started out with Acts 9:6 “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Let us ask the Lord, what does he want us to do at this season of our full time ministry and service? And we do that assignment faithfully and diligently.
Next, let us get encouragement from the life of Apostle Paul to love the Lord and love His church. Paul did not mind sacrificing himself, his freedom and his life to serve the Lord. Likewise, we can learn to emulate him. For Paul, he is very focused. What he does is for Christ. He lives, he speaks, he walks, he breathes, he thinks, he dreams, it is only Christ and Christ alone.
We can learn to be a more focused person.
Lastly, let us continue to walk in step with the Spirit, love the Lord and His Church passionately, serve Him faithfully. Until one day when we finally see Him face to face and receive the commendation from our Master, You are my good and faithful servant.
