Good morning, friends.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 9:26, “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.”
Mel Gibson portrays the Scottish patriot William Wallace in the film Braveheart. In the movie, Wallace fights against the repeated attacks by England on Scottish independence, beginning with the slaughter of an English garrison that raped and killed his wife, and eventually leading men from clans all across the land to fight against the King of England’s army itself. Along the way, as men join up with him, one particular fellow by the name of Stephen wants to come alongside for the chance to kill Englishmen. When he first speaks with the men, he makes side comments as if talking and hearing from God, and he claims that Ireland is his own island, leading the others to believe he is a madman and to question his true allegiance. Later, as Wallace is out hunting deer, Stephen is shown secretly approaching him with his dagger. Just as Wallace is about to let the arrow fly, Stephen rushes at him and hurls his weapon. Wallace has no time to defend himself, but the dagger flies just past him and into the chest of another of his group, the real traitor who had joined to kill Wallace and was sneaking up behind him with his sword drawn. Just like that, the truth is made known. A traitor is revealed and a madman is redeemed.
As dangerous and driven as Saul was while he pursued and persecuted followers of Jesus, it stands to reason that those who were on the wrong end of his threats and accusations would be suspicious of him as he tried to present himself as now one of them. Seeing as you have probably been a part of the family of God for some time, I wonder if there are times when it’s difficult to tell if you’re the real deal or not. I know I can send the wrong message as quickly as Stephen did to Wallace’s men, making it a challenge to believe I am who I say I am. The transforming grace that God provides can often find a foe in my sinful nature and selfish heart. But transform it will, it must, if we have tasted the love and forgiveness of Jesus, if we surrender our stubbornness for His goodness. At times you may not resemble who you are, but getting close to Jesus, as Stephen did with Wallace, will enable your glorious nature to overcome your sinful one.
As we seek Him today, take the nature of Christ as your own and let Him show Himself through you.
Have a delightful Wednesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
