ODJ: Passion Unleashed

November 25, 2016 

READ: Acts 9:1-9 

I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me (Philippians 3:12).

Emmett J. Scanlan, the actor who played Saul in the TV series A.D. The Bible Continues did a fantastic job of painting a passionate portrait of his character. His portrayal of Saul’s efforts to eliminate believers in Jesus made me wince. I had trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that this man would become the beloved apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament!

As the series continued, Saul encountered Jesus while heading to Damascus. Just like that—everything changed (Acts 9:1-9). And the minute his sight was restored and his calling confirmed, this man (now known as Paul) passionately dove into his work once again (v.20). Only this time, he was for Jesus and not against Him (v.21). The startled expression on the faces of Barnabas and Ananias when the freshly converted Paul marched into a synagogue to preach about Jesus was priceless.

Paul was a man of conviction and unbridled passion. He was zealous for the truths he held dear, and his was a no-holds-barred approach to letting everyone know exactly where he stood. Today, people the world over read his letters for guidance and instruction in the Christian faith. His passion continues to resound through the ages (Philippians 3:12).

What would the world look like if you and I lived our lives for God with passion, conviction, and zeal? Romans 8:19 says, “All creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” While creation breathlessly awaits the unveiling of God in His people, we can radiate the reality that we’re made in God’s image.

As with Paul, may passion for God flow from us as creation rejoices in the revelation of God’s amazing handiwork!

—Remi Oyedele

365-day plan: 1 Corinthians 15:1-20