Suspicion
Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. Then Barnabas came to his help and took him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him. He also told them how boldly Saul had preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus. And so Saul stayed with them and went all over Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. (verses 26-28)
Read Acts 9: 19b-31
Some things make you suspicious. Somebody tells you they want to give you something for free. Your greatest detractor insists you are a terrific person. The leader of a political party decides suddenly to change sides. An avowed anti-Christian becomes an ardent follower of Christ.
Can you imagine the suspicion people had about the conversion of Saul? He had not only been an outspoken critic of the followers of Jesus but had also personally treated them with violence and had imprisoned them. Now their greatest scourge had returned to Jerusalem and was on their side. Careful, they thought. What’s the catch?
But there was no trick. Unless, of course, you want to call the power of God’s Spirit to change hearts and lives a trick. Really, Saul’s conversion should have been above suspicion. Every Christian was once an enemy of God. You know how your heart is always telling you to rebel against him. And you know too how his power and love can transform your life.
Dear God, you are a God who makes friends of your enemies.
Thank you for turning me from the bad to the good, from rebellion to belief. Amen.
by Richard Hauser, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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