August 6, 2009 - Acts 9:24

“After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him.” Acts 9:24.
Saul was continually going up to the synagogue in Damascus, debating with Jewish leaders concerning Jesus as the Messiah. He was getting stronger and stronger in his arguments, which was causing the Jewish leadership to become more defensive. Finally, they had had enough. They started conspiring how they might kill Saul. It did not take Saul very long in his journey with Jesus to come to a place of being genuinely threatened for making his stand with Jesus.
In reflecting back on my first couple of years of following Jesus, I recall being uncomfortable talking openly with people about my faith. I didn’t know much and I didn’t really understand what I was supposed to do. Through the years I have grown more comfortable with telling my story of following Jesus to anyone, but still do not feel particularly comfortable about debating, like Saul. At first, I thought this was because I did not see that I was particularly gifted in this way, but as I reflected more, I saw that something else was at work. I did not know if I would be willing to stick my neck out enough to possibly be killed, because of standing up for Jesus. I wasn’t even sure how I would feel about being mocked for my belief in Jesus. I am still working on this, yet I have noticed lately that when I have had the opportunity to tell my story to someone, I have spoken with confidence and with His strength.
Questions to consider: How far will you go in making a stand for Jesus? Are you willing to be mocked, or possibly be threatened in some way? Have you ever experienced any of these in your walk with Jesus? What was that like?
Prayer: Father, give me the courage to stand up for You, no matter the consequences. Give me strength to speak boldly in Jesus’ name. Amen.