“… I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you… (I send you to the Gentiles), to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” Acts 26:16-18

Paul’s Call
Part 2

Walk His Way Revisited

Yesterday we looked at Paul’s specific call to be a missionary—and how we all have the same call and the same reasons to share the gospel where we live.

Upon closer reading, there is another nugget implied in this passage—“things which I will yet reveal to you…” It’s Jesus’ promise of ongoing communication with Paul. Sure, Paul had seen things he could testify to, but there was so much more to come.

Jesus promised further revelation—things that He, Jesus, already knew about. He was going to open the doors to a great, wide vista that Paul had never seen nor known to exist. Paul had a future of usefulness in the kingdom. At that moment, he was given a purpose, a reason to live. Christ would show him as he went along, so Paul knew he wouldn’t be left on his own to figure it out.

Interestingly, Paul was accustomed to receiving orders from the high priest of the temple to persecute the Christians. This time, his orders came from the Great High Priest who dwells in a temple not made with hands. If I may state the obvious, He’s the One Who really knows what’s going on. When He gives an order, there’s a reason for it.

There’s always more when Jesus calls. When I was a young believer, before I was married or had children, I didn’t want the Rapture to come. I was afraid I’d miss out on what life had to offer me on this earth. Now, decades later, I can testify that life without Christ doesn’t offer much of anything. It’s just like a dandelion that goes to seed—a little fluff ball that you blow on and watch while it scatters in the air (causing weeds to grow.)

Jesus opens the door to not only a new life, but an exciting, adventurous life. I’ve had more experiences following Him than I ever would have if I’d lived for myself. Life with Jesus has been sometimes hard and painful and sacrificial—but abundant, beautiful, satisfying and fulfilling. His promise to us is to constantly reveal Himself, and to show us the things we need to know as we go along. He reveals mysteries, peels back layers of understanding, and sends us off in new directions.

Now, I’m excited about the Rapture—I can’t imagine what is waiting for us in heaven!

Father, we know that You call us to MORE. More than what we’re thinking, more than what we’re doing, more than we currently know. Thank You. Amen.