In the first century AD, their lived a man named Saul. He was a high ranking Jewish leader who made it his mission to stop the spread of Christianity, no matter what it took. He spear headed arrests, imprisonment and the stoning, (a group throwing stones at someone until they were dead) of Christians all over the region in which he lived. So much that he was a feared man among the Christians. He was supported by the Jewish leadership and they truly believed that they were pleasing God. Sound familiar?
One day when this Saul was traveling to another city in pursuit of Christians, he was knocked off his horse by a bright, blinding light. It was an abrupt and powerful encounter with Jesus. Paul was given the truth on that road. Suddenly this man who hated Christians became one! His heart and passion were radically changed. He then became an instrument of love, and was now was just as passionate in the promotion of this love and truth of Jesus, so much so that he often became persecuted for his faith. This, “changed man” is the author of much of the Bible’s New Testament that has spoken to and changed millions of people over time. Can this same Jesus that changed Saul and billions of others change the hearts of ISIS today?
Jesus loves the members of ISIS just as much as He loves you. He wants everyone to know Him and His love and to find out that He is the way to Heaven. 2 Peter 3:9 says: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” It is easy to get deceived and lulled into complacency. We think that if we are NOT a terrorist and are a, “good person” that we don’t need Jesus, but just as God loves us ALL equally, He requires us ALL to recognize our need for Him, (no exceptions). This means ALL of us. Something to think about…
After pulling a farmer over for speeding, a state trooper started to lecture him about his speed, pompously implying that the farmer didn’t know any better and trying to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible. He finally started writing out the ticket, but had to keep swatting at some flies buzzing around his head. The farmer said, “Having some problems with circle flies there are ya?” The trooper paused to take another swat and said, “Well, yes, if that’s what they are. I’ve never heard of circle flies.” The farmer was pleased to enlighten the cop. “Circle flies are common on farms. They’re called circle flies because you almost always find them circling the back end of a horse.”
The trooper continues writing for a moment, then says, “Hey, are you trying to call me a horse’s behind?” “Oh no, officer.” The farmer replies. “I have too much respect for law enforcement and police officers for that.” “That’s a good thing,” the officer says rudely, then goes back to writing the ticket. After a long pause, the farmer added, “Hard to fool them flies, though.”
Have you ever felt the presence of God circling you? It is worth pursuing! EASTER is THIS Sunday. Lighthouse of Faith, (And all area churches) welcome you. Lighthouse services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or go to www.lighthousecanton.com Until next time, look up and smile!