The epitome of commitment - Part 2
“Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches” (NLT) 2 Corinthians 11:28
Did you miss The epitome of commitment - Part 1?
DI: You were just not a member of the Pharisees; you were also the ‘chief tormentor’ of the Christians
Paul: (smirking) I wouldn’t contest that. Indeed, I was really a thorn in the flesh of the brethren. If I knew that I was destined to be part of them in the future, I would have been their chief protector. I thought all these I did were valuable. I thought righteousness meant destroying any Anti-Jewish element. But everything is worthless when compared to the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:7)
DI: Now let’s turn to your life as an apostle. How was transitioning from Judaism to Christianity like?
Paul: It was revolutionary! In one of my usual trips as a terrorist, I had a divine encounter with Christ Jesus, en route to Damascus (Acts 9:3). After going through true repentance, Ananias prayed for me and the scales fell from my eyes. I got baptised immediately (Acts 9:18). The Lord made me His chosen instrument to take His message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).
DI: How was it like to be given such a great task just after repentance?
Paul: I had the temperament and the inspired knowledge to start with (2 Corinthians 8:7). My challenge was my integration into the Christian community (Acts 9:26). Most brethren couldn’t fellowship with a chief sinner such as I (1 Timothy 1:15). But Barnabas was the real inspiration. I owe much to him because he encouraged and got me integrated. If I am hailed as the most hardworking of all the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10), I owe a debt of gratitude to him.
DI: Finally, brother, what are the challenges you faced in your ministry and what kept you going?
Paul: I faced a lot of formidable challenges. My very life was in peril immediately I started preaching after my conversion. My people were so disappointed in me that they wanted me dead (Acts 9:23). Prison was like my second home. I was whipped times without number and I faced certain death again and again. Five different times, the Jewish leaders gave me 39 lashes. As if that was not enough, I was beaten with rods. Once I was even stoned; three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have led an itinerant life with the gospel and I have come in close encounter with robbers. My kinsmen persecuted me, likewise gentiles. I have come in close shave with perils in cities, deserts, and on seas. I have been deprived of sleep because of my work to the Lord. Sometimes I go to bed on an empty stomach. Sometimes I have no warm clothes to cover my body and I shiver in the wintry conditions (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).
DI: Wow! I can’t just imagine you went through all these but your commitment never waned
Paul: Yes! Because I looked up to Christ Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). I pressed on so that I will attain the ultimate prize in Heaven (Philippians 3:14). I fought the good fight of faith and finished the race. What awaits me now is the ultimate diadem (2 Timothy 4:7-8). “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (NLT) 1 Corinthians 15:58.
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