Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 9:2, “[Saul] asked for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
My dad’s career as a salesman led him to be in his car for a significant portion of each day. It also allowed him to squeeze into his schedule other non-work errands as he made his way to and from various appointments. And what grew out of this routine, besides the knowledge of every shortcut and back road to get anywhere he had to go, was an above-average awareness of the various prices of items at various stores, especially groceries and gas. He could tell you where to go to save twenty cents on hamburger or six cents on gas. But what he didn’t tell you was how much extra it would cost you driving all around town to save those precious nickels and dimes. What we quickly learned was that dad mostly loved the game of finding and knowing where the best deals were, regardless of the savings or if they were even on his way. And, that he really just loved to be in his car driving.
Saul had a similar passion. He just loved to persecute followers of Jesus, those that the Jews called were of the Way. And he loved it so much that he went way out of his way, in fact, all the way to Damascus, to haul every man and woman he could find who claimed to be of the Way. And even though that sounds like it’s way over the top to travel nearly 140 miles to round up some religious misfits, it’s nothing compared to the way in which God decided to turn Saul from tormenter to proclaimer. For few had lost their way as badly as Saul had. With endorsements from the Sanhedrin and the high priest, he carried the Jewish banner on his hunt to defend God and protect his religion. But today, we children of the Way still lose our way. We go out of our way to do things our way. We go this way and that way when we know that His way is the only way. Maybe you’re off track for just a few pennies, or you may be in way over your head. Either way, Jesus offers love and forgiveness and everything you’ll need, if you will trust Him. He’ll take away the shame, and He’ll remove the anger, if you’ll give it to Him. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Set your whole heart on that path.
As we seek Him today, recalibrate your settings to follow Jesus fully and in every area.
Have a wonderful Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
