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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for January 25, 2022

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TUESDAY, January 25 Conversion of Saint Paul

Acts 26:15-16 I asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you.”

What deeply moves me about this verse is that Jesus does not pull the “gotcha” card on Paul as Paul is persecuting Jesus. Jesus humanizes Paul by telling him to stand on his feet. Even when we, like Paul, question or curse Jesus for all that goes wrong in our lives and in the world, Jesus humanizes us. He looks us in the eyes and tells us that our testimony and our servitude are essential to knowing him.

We are witness to his appearance, and we hold a purpose that must be fulfilled as required by God. Thank goodness Jesus is there to illuminate the way for us as we walk in unknown territory toward a greater knowing.

MOVING FORWARD: Have you cursed Jesus lately or wondered where God is? Reread this chapter of Acts and reflect on the words: “I have appeared to you for this purpose.”

Pray for the Diocese of Kagera (Tanzania)

Ps 67 | Acts 26:9-21 | Galatians 1:11-24 | Matthew 10:16-22