Galatians 1:11-24
This week we're reading about Paul's calling. Paul makes it very clear in this passage that the gospel he preached "is not something that man made up."~verse 11 Rather, Paul received the gospel "by revelation from Jesus Christ."~verse 12 Paul was called by God.
In Paul's previous life, he persecuted God's church and tried to destroy it. He admits he was "extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers."~verse 14 Paul tells how he was converted from this way of life and commissioned by God to preach the gospel of Christ. Paul was called for God's purposes.
Several things stand out to me in this passage, and challenge me to live out my own calling from God. First, Paul describes himself as set apart. "But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles."~verses 15,16a Am I living my life as one who is set apart? Is God pleased to reveal his Son in me? Second, when Paul realized his calling, he "did not consult any man."~verse 16b How sure am I of God's calling in my life? Do I look to others for affirmation or significance, or do I look only to God?
These are some thought-provoking questions. How might we apply this to our lives today? For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to fit in. I want to be accepted. Who doesn't, right? So, what does it mean to be set apart? I believe it involves the realization that I am not living my life for myself. My life serves a purpose greater than merely getting through another day, another week, or another year. I have been called by God to be set apart for Him. When I live as one who is set apart, God is pleased to reveal his Son in me. WOW! Living like that means that I am really living. God uses my words and my actions to reveal Himself to those around me. Every peak and every valley of my life has an eternal purpose. Like Paul, I am called by God for God's purposes.
As Paul brings the first chapter of Galatians to a close, he succinctly describes the fruit of God's calling upon his life. "And they praised God because of me."~verse 24 For God to completely transform Paul's life into one that brings Him praise, is nothing short of miraculous. This realization increases my faith today. God can take the messiest parts of my life and turn them into praises to His name. Now, that is a calling I don't want to miss out on!
-Sarah Ann
No comments:
Post a Comment