12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength because he considered me faithful. So he appointed me to ministry 13 even though I used to speak against him, attack his people, and I was proud. But I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and without faith. 14 Our Lord’s favor poured all over me along with the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is reliable and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I’m the biggest sinner of all. 16 But this is why I was shown mercy, so that Christ Jesus could show his endless patience to me first of all. So I’m an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the king of the ages, to the immortal, invisible, and only God, may honor and glory be given to him forever and always! Amen.
Reflection
Our Devotionals thus far this week have talked about what we can do to love. Today and tomorrow, let’s look now at Christ’s power in our lives that empowers us.
There is one story about John Wesley which always touches my heart deeply. It occurs when Wesley is 35 years old. Wesley was taught scripture from early childhood, at the age of 17 he entered Christ Church, Oxford University, graduated 4 years later and at 25 became an ordained priest.
To me the above bit of background is necessary to really feel the life changing impact Wesley first experienced on the night of May 24, 1738. Below is a summary of what transpired as found in Wesley’s journal.
“In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.
I began to pray with all my might for those who had in a more especial manner despitefully used me and persecuted me. I then testified openly to all there what I now first felt in my heart. But it was not long before the enemy suggested, “This cannot be faith; for where is thy joy?” Then was I taught that peace and victory over sin are essential to faith in the Captain of our salvation; but that, as to the transports of joy that usually attend the beginning of it, especially in those who have mourned deeply, God sometimes giveth, sometimes withholds, them according to the counsels of His own will.
After my return home, I was buffeted with temptations, but I cried out, and they fled away. They returned again and again. I as often lifted up my eyes, and He “sent me help from his holy place.” And herein I found the difference between this and my former state chiefly consisted. I was striving, yea, fighting with all my might under the law, as well as under grace. But then I was sometimes, if not often, conquered; now, I was always conqueror.
Thursday, 25.—The moment I awakened, “Jesus, Master,” was in my heart and in my mouth; and I found all my strength lay in keeping my eye fixed upon Him and my soul waiting on Him continually. Being again at St. Paul’s in the afternoon, I could taste the good word of God in the anthem which began, “My song shall be always of the loving-kindness of the Lord: with my mouth will I ever be showing forth thy truth from one generation to another.” Yet the enemy injected a fear, “If thou dost believe, why is there not a more sensible change? I answered (yet not I), “That I know not. But this I know, I have ‘now peace with God.’ And I sin not today, and Jesus my Master has forbidden me to take thought for the morrow.”
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
When I read John Wesley’s account I am awed at how God can use people more effectively than they could ever desire on their own. I have read that the flame lit in Aldersgate Street was the real beginning of John Wesley’s God-given mission.
Paul’s story in our scripture today is much the same to me. It seems that in both cases God chose the time and place to touch their very soul and through that process profoundly influences humanity.
How do these stories impact you?
Can there be any doubt that if we ask God what His will is for us we will surely receive discernment and patience?
Prayer: Holy Lord God. What we are reading today are stories of your being at work in this world in unusual, powerful and world changing ways. These lives, and your empowerment, model for us incredible love and dedication. Touch our hearts as you see fit and help us to ponder your Word and what it can mean to us each day. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
