If there’s one thing we know about the Apostle Paul, it’s that his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) totally changed his life. In Romans 11:33, as Danny Scarbrough (PLC’s youth Director) pointed out on Sunday, Paul can’t stop the outpouring of awe and wonder he feels for God’s greatness. And why should he? It’s the same awe we experience when we behold His beauty and majesty, isn’t it?
But Danny also pointed out that our God, who may seem vast and far away in his greatness, is actually near and yearning for intimacy with us. Immanuel, God with us, we sing at various times throughout the year. Yet, “We don’t always feel that close,” Danny said. “Sometimes we’re distant, hurt, angry, and stuck!” Our feelings get in the way of living in the riches He provides. What is the remedy? Invite Christ into your daily life; the good, the bad and the ugly places!
Paul knows first-hand that life is full of turmoil and trouble; he’s been beaten more times than he can count for sharing the gospel. As the New Testament scholar N.T. Wright once said, “Everywhere Paul went he caused a riot.” But he was faithful to bring God’s plan of salvation to the Gentiles. And in his letter to the Romans he invites us to share in that plan; to “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).
“You are part of God’s plan,” Danny said, “so bring His plan to the earth. We have the greatest access to knowledge and information of any time in history, but it is love that matters to people.” Those of us who know God’s greatness, also know His gentleness. And like Paul, those attributes often leave us with an amazement that can only be voiced with “Oh!”
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