Responding To God's Call

Paul was recollecting his old life as “a Pharisee” (Php 3:5), when he was “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.” He bound and delivered “into prisons both men and women” (Acts 22:4). Paul was a “wretched man” (Rom 7:24), who was guilty of murder and unspeakable cruelty to many Christians (Acts 9:1). But he “obtained mercy” when the Lord Jesus saved him by His grace (Acts 9:6), and he was “made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:2)! We often judge other people’s wrongdoings (Mt 7:2). But when we take a closer look at ourselves first (Lk 6:41), we’re probably just as guilty as Paul was (Rom 3:23).

There is nothing from our past sins to brag about! That was our condition when God brought us “out of an horrible pit” (Ps 40:2), before we received Jesus as our Savior by faith (Eph 2:8). Paul said that he “did it ignorantly in unbelief.” He was not making an excuse, but he was merely stating the truth! As a Pharisee, he thought that he was serving the Lord and trying to earn his salvation through religion (Titus 3:5). He didn’t understand that he was blinded to the truth while he was also leading others (Lk 6:39). But when Jesus opened his eyes (Acts 9:18), his life was turned “from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18).

Many today can clearly see with their eyes, but they are spiritually blinded (2 Cor 4:4), to both their condition and eternal destination (Eph 2:1). But when they humbly respond by faith to the Spirit’s call and conviction (2 Cor 7:10), then He will “quickeneth” (Jn 6:63), or make their spirit alive (Rom 4:17). This would cause them to see their true condition, as they repent toward God, and place their “faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). If you’re saved, then continue serving the Lord (Gal 6:9). Don’t hold back from His plans for your life! God bless you!



-Pastor Melito Barrera