Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
Here we see the conversion of Saul, a clear example of God's grace and mercy. Saul was a murderer and clearly hateful yet God had a greater plan for him. I like v. 15 where God labels Saul as his instrument - something we all are in the great scheme of things but often lose sight of.
ReplyDeleteWe also see a case of forgiveness with Barnabas. The other disciples are fearful of Saul, and slow to believe his conversion yet Barnabas forgives him of his murderous and hateful ways and takes him in.
I wonder what the significance is of Peter staying with a tanner. I looked up what a tanner was (obviously someone who tans hides) but I was curious as to why this is in there. Apparently they were viewed as ritually unclean. My bible has a note that this is to prepare for his encounter with Cornelius. Does yours give any more insight? Or do you have more insight?
I don't think there's any significance of stating Simon was a tanner other than to distinguish him from the other Simons - such as the sorceror we just read about, or the Apostle, or even Peter himself (Simon Peter). Man, I just do not like that name!
ReplyDeleteThe conversion of Saul is amazing to me. I enjoyed the conversation between Ananias and the Lord. Ananias felt like he had to inform God of who Saul of Tarsus really is and what he's been doing. It's so typical of us (or at least for me) to argue with God, as if He doesn't know what's going on. This is something I really need to work on. To trust in Him fully and truly believe that He has everything covered.
Something to ponder for the day: can God still perform miracles like the ones we are reading about and why does the Spirit seem to not be as powerful today as it was when the church was first being established? Are we indwelt by the same Spirit and capable of the same powerful Acts?
I LOVE that name. :-) Hahaha. Anyway, I do like the conversation between Ananias and God. Do you find yourself doing that? When I ask for forgiveness - I have found myself actually justifying my wrong doing. Like an idiot. Then I catch myself and truly repent, but do you find yourself doing that? It's as if I think I need to explain my actions to God as if he doesn't already know.
ReplyDeleteI do think God can perform miracles, but I do wonder about the power of the spirit - or whether we're blind to it? Or are we just too unwelcoming?