Today’s Community Scripture – 6/4/2025

Saul spent a few days getting acquainted with the Damascus disciples, but then went right to work, wasting no time, preaching in the meeting places that this Jesus was the Son of God. They were caught off guard by this and, not at all sure they could trust him, they kept saying, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem among the believers? And didn’t he come here to do the same thing—arrest us and drag us off to jail in Jerusalem for sentencing by the high priests?” But their suspicions didn’t slow Saul down for even a minute. His momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition, disarming the Damascus Jews and trying to show them that this Jesus was the Messiah. After this had gone on quite a long time, some Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul got wind of it. They were watching the city gates around the clock so they could kill him. Then one night the disciples engineered his escape by lowering him over the wall in a basket.

Acts 9:19–25 (MSG)

– Reflection:

This passage from Acts 9:19–25 (MSG) offers a powerful reflection on transformation, courage, and divine purpose. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, undergoes a radical change after encountering Jesus. His immediate commitment to preaching the gospel, despite the skepticism and fear of those around him, highlights the depth of his conversion. The disciples’ initial distrust is understandable; yet Saul’s unwavering dedication and boldness in proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah demonstrate the transformative power of faith. Even in the face of life-threatening opposition, Saul does not retreat. Instead, he continues his mission with determination, relying on the support of the very community he once sought to destroy. This passage reminds us that true change is possible and that, with faith and courage, one can overcome past mistakes and boldly pursue a new path aligned with God’s calling.

– Where do we go from here?

Saul’s story challenges us to reflect on how we respond to transformation both within ourselves and in others. Like the early disciples, we may struggle to trust change when it feels too sudden or arises from an unexpected source. Yet, Saul’s boldness reminds us that when God calls, hesitation must yield to action. From here, we are invited to examine our own lives: What mission are we being called to pursue with courage, even amid doubt or danger? How can we support others stepping into new identities and purposes? Moving forward, we are called to be both brave like Saul and supportive like the disciples who helped him escape. Our next step is to live out our faith with conviction, trusting that God can use even the most unlikely people and moments for extraordinary purposes.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, Thank You for the power of transformation and the courage You place in our hearts. Like Saul, help us to boldly step into the purpose You’ve called us to, even when others doubt or when fear tries to hold us back. Teach us to trust in Your plan, to support those who are changing for the better, and to walk forward in faith. May we be vessels of Your grace, ready to act, ready to believe, and ready to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.