Day 4 - Paul: A Called Man
Scripture Reading: (Acts 9:1-19) 9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
Before becoming one of the greatest missionaries in history, Paul was actively opposing the work of God. He persecuted Christians, approved of violence against believers, and sought to destroy the Church.
Yet Jesus intervened.
On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the risen Christ and everything changed. His direction changed. His identity changed. His purpose changed.
One of the most remarkable truths about Paul's story is that God didn't simply save him from something. God saved him for something.
Acts 9:15 reveals that God had a specific purpose for Paul's life. The same is true for every man who follows Jesus. God has not called us merely to exist. He has called us to make a difference, influence others, and advance His Kingdom.
Many men spend years asking, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" While the details may differ, Scripture makes clear that every Christian man is called to know Christ, love others, lead faithfully, make disciples, and steward the opportunities God provides.
As we prepare for the Act Like Men Conference, we should consider not only what God has saved us from but also what He has saved us for.
Reflection:
What has God uniquely entrusted to me as a man?
Where am I being called to lead, serve, disciple, provide, protect, or influence others for Christ?
Is there anything I need to surrender in order to fully live out that calling?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, give me the wisdom, courage, and power to faithfully live out the calling You have placed on my life as a man, husband, father, friend, and follower of Jesus.