12/11/2020 - AUTHORIZED PERSECUTOR

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and asked letters from him 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. Acts 9:2

Saul of Tarsus, who, was reached by the Lord and became the greatest New Testament indoctrinater, was the wrong person who did things as he saw fit. He went to the high priest to ask for letters to the synagogues in Damascus. After all, without taking orders from Judaism, he did not want to be accused of mistreating Christians who preached in the Syrian capital. Saul didn’t care about the pain he would cause, he just didn’t want to be penalized for it. Pharisee!

Some like to do evil, persecuting those who do not believe in the same things as they do. When a person is under the power of Hell, they do not feel pity or respect for others, because their interest is to make everyone act according to them, even though they have never seen the Lord’s hand at work. The truth is irrelevant to them.

Our answer is to pray for people who do this. The church in Jerusalem did that, as did the brothers in Damascus. The cry to God is the best reaction in all situations, always within the biblical guidance. We cannot force the Most High to act as we want Whoever serves Him must remember that, in His Name, He can do everything. Pray and let Him do the work. When God works, who can reverse it? (Isaiah 43:13)

Saul probably heard about the success of the missionaries who were evangelizing in that city. In his spiritual ignorance, the only way to stop the downfall of his religion was by using force. So he sought authorization to take a strong action. However, no one can do anything against the Truth, because the gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church of Jesus (Matthew 16:18)!

He knew how to use force, but since he wanted a “clean” work, he needed the help of the synagogues to carry out his important mission. However, when God’s people cry out, the Lord moves the necessary power to continue to deliver the oppressed. We cannot forget Jesus’ promise:  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son  (John 14:13). Watch and pray!

The Church cannot bribe the authorities; if it does, it will cease to be the Lord’s Body. Because He is holy, His servants must also be holy (1 Peter 1:16). One detail will cause God’s people to lose the battle to a small group, as when Achan disobeyed divine orders, taking the spoil in Jericho (Joshua 7:18). Obey and live!

Saul’s goal was to put an end to the “cursed” who preached the Truth, taking them to Jerusalem to be judged. However, his hatred turned into blessing, for the Savior himself found him and transformed his life. Jesus came to you to change your life for the better!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares