Devotion 

Paul, Jesus’ Servant

Frances Taylor 

We recognize that Paul was an apostle, the Apostle to the Gentiles. We also know that he never knew Jesus in the flesh. He did have an experience of Jesus in a vision and then spent time learning about him so that he could preach the Gospel in confidence to the Gentile world after the Jewish world rejected him because of his previous behavior against them. Paul considered himself an apostle and the servant of Jesus.

We are called to be disciples, teaching others about Jesus and spreading the Gospel message of salvation, of God's unconditional love for his children. We did not live in the time of Jesus and never knew or heard him in the flesh. But if we examine our lives, we will find experiences of Jesus in our lives.

As I sit here this evening, I am thinking about the dilemma I faced this weekend. I was committed to go to a family party yesterday, and planned to visit a good friend in a nursing home today. The party yesterday was cancelled because of the weather and postponed until today. I tried to phone the friend in the nursing home to see if we could switch days, but I couldn't get through. I called my granddaughter who was hosting the party and begged off. She understood, but was very disappointed. I prayed last night that I was making the right choice. This morning, my friend called. He had had a very bad night and begged off asking if I minded postponing my visit. I wasn't happy about the reason, but my granddaughter was thrilled that I could come to the party. I guess God wanted me at the party and will make sure that I get the visit in soon. Now, I'm not saying that this is an experience of Jesus – or is it? I do know that it was an answer to a prayer I didn't even know I was making. Think back – when did you experience Jesus?

Prayer 

Lord, when we pray, even when we don't know what to pray for, you answer us. Paul prayed to do your will, and you answered him in a way he never expected. May we never stop looking at the ways we experience you. Amen.