I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! Philippians 3:10, NLT.
Paul’s life was turned upside down on the way to Damascus where he was going to round up and imprison Christians. He was accosted by a voice from heaven, that only Paul heard, that told him his life was misguided and opposed to the purpose of Christ. A person’s choice of life direction may depend on two variables:
- The first is based on some personal advantage gained such as amount of income. The income might gain the person power, social standing, self-aggrandizement, or meet an expectation set by family or friends.
- The second variable lies in the inherent value of the choice. People that come to mind include Martin Luther King, Fr. Damian De Veuster, and Mother Teresa. Few will rise to the level of these three, however, they serve as types of a certain kind of value system. A system that places the good done for others, as well as following the call of God, as the greatest determinant in a choice made.
As a result of Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus, he had to reconsider the life-choice he had made. His letter to Timothy shows the extent to which Paul was committed to his call by God. Paul says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits for me…which the Lord… will give me on the day of his return.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
You could describe Paul’s life as one shaped by his hunger to know God and give his life in service to God. He worked tirelessly to carry the gospel message to Turkey, Greece, and parts west of there. He did not shrink from anything, no matter how fearful.
Above all, Paul had a hunger to know Christ. His whole life was given in service to that hunger.
Prayer:
Father, we confess that we often do not have the hunger and thirst that Jesus described in the beatitudes. We can only look to the lives of those who have understood what it means to be carried away by a desire for you. And we pray that we might put aside the distractions and false affections and desire only you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.