Click here to read Acts 9:1-20.
We have all had those days. Days when we are so focused on completing our job that we do not pay much attention to anything else around us. It can be very easy for “workaholics” to be so engrossed in the day to day tasks and work that we may not take the time to ask, “Is this really what I need to be doing?”
The Apostle Paul had one of those days before his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Remember, Saul (Paul) was at Stephen’s stoning and approved of his death. He was on a mission to try and destroy the lives of the followers of Jesus by seeking them out and arresting them. It appears he was so focused on the task at hand that it took something outrageous to get him to listen to the voice of Jesus and hear his message. That is what happened on his way to Damascus.
Don’t we get like this too? Truthfully many people do not stop going on the path their on until they hit a wall they can’t break. Until something detrimental, destructive, or something outrageous happens that gets their attention. Illness, news, or anything can get our attention quickly. When this happens, we hopefully pay attention and change our habits, our lives in order to do what needs to be done after the event.
Paul (Saul is his Jewish name) was blinded by a bright light. He was unable to see for a few days later. The light caught his attention and he listened. Did he believe the words of Jesus right at first? I bet after Saul heard Jesus say who he was, he was terrified. He is speaking and listening to someone they had killed on a cross! That would get my attention.
Paul had a “holy interruption” in his life. This was an event that turned his life around to become the Apostle Paul that wrote most of the New Testament we have today. After his encounter with Jesus Christ, he was completely different. He wasn’t focused on his work before this encounter anymore; he was completely focused on the mission God called him to – the mission to preach to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) about the Good News of Jesus Christ.
I have a question for each of us today. “Are we more focused and excited about the work we do to make a living for our families or the work that God is calling us to in the world?” Some people may be able to answer a simple yes because both sides of the question are aligned already. But for those who look at their work as something they do to make money, and then “try to be a good Christian,” why do we live double lives like this? The energy that takes will wear us out and we won’t be able to be as effective as we need to be in either area of our lives.
Instead, I invite you to memorize this scripture and apply it to your life.
Colossians 3:17
“Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.”
You are also invited to read this 6 part devotional: Office Hours Devotional
QUESTIONS:
- Why do you think we work so hard?
- Who is it easier to work for our own glory rather than that of Jesus Christ?
R Y A N S T R A T T O N 