A Word from Acts 26

In today's word from Acts 26, the Apostle Paul was giving his testimony. He was on trial for "creating trouble" among the people of Jerusalem—which was true in the sense that some folks didn't like the message he preached, but not true in the sense that he had never instigated a riot. And so, now, he stood before King Agrippa and told the whole story of how Jesus had met him on the road to Damascus and had given him a vision of what God wanted him to do with his life. 

Of course, few of us have had visions from God that were quite as dramatic as Paul's was. And even fewer have been on trial for what we did in response. And yet, I wouldn't be surprised if most of us have had "visions" of one kind or another. We've experienced those "inner promptings" that nudged us toward making a call or offering help to someone in need. We've imagined what it would be like to speak up or to pursue a dream that — from a worldly perspective, at least — didn't make a lot of sense. 

But there's a part of Paul's testimony that I think all of us could embrace. Having told the story of how Jesus called him to serve, Paul said, "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven." (26:19) And naturally, we also can choose obedience to the less-dramatic but still potentially-impactful-visions that God sends us.

Some in our church family will remember a woman named Lillian Hiatt. And Lillian was one of those "church matriarchs" who invested her life in various ministries that served the Lord. And it just so happens that this story is the one that led her to give her heart to Christ. And thank God; she was obedient to the vision God gave her. And I wonder today if we've got the faith that will compel us to do the same.

So, what "visions" might God give you today? And will you be ready to say, "Here I am Lord, send me"? Amen.