The Appointment
Nov4 by justhappeneduponthis
I love Jesus’ words to Paul as recorded in Acts 26. Apparently they were spoken on that Damascus Road of conversion (Acts 9).
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Note the words in emphasis and their apparent order of priority:
appeared: The revelation of grace is a Sovereign initiative; its timing, place and circumstances.
minister: The Christian representative is to serve toward purposes of redemption, growth, sustenance and healing. The original word referred to a menial household servant and not to a preacher or teacher.
witness: With a message of the Gospel, of personal treatment at the hands of the Lord and of God’s dealings in the circumstances of the present time.
delivering: God’s carrying and protecting in the midst of misunderstanding, slander and persecution for the Gospel’s sake.
The sum of all is the communication of light and liberty from the bondage of Satan, rebellion and ignorance.
Nov4 by justhappeneduponthis
I love Jesus’ words to Paul as recorded in Acts 26. Apparently they were spoken on that Damascus Road of conversion (Acts 9).
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Note the words in emphasis and their apparent order of priority:
appeared: The revelation of grace is a Sovereign initiative; its timing, place and circumstances.
minister: The Christian representative is to serve toward purposes of redemption, growth, sustenance and healing. The original word referred to a menial household servant and not to a preacher or teacher.
witness: With a message of the Gospel, of personal treatment at the hands of the Lord and of God’s dealings in the circumstances of the present time.
delivering: God’s carrying and protecting in the midst of misunderstanding, slander and persecution for the Gospel’s sake.
The sum of all is the communication of light and liberty from the bondage of Satan, rebellion and ignorance.
