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GAME ROOM

When I was a kid, we had a game room upstairs.

It was really a catch-all room for movies, video games, wrestling, board games, and kid-friendly chaos.

As long we didn't oppose my parent's rules (ie - too long on video games, too loud, fighting, etc.) they were content to keep about their work downstairs.

However, whenever we opposed my parent's rule, they were quick to make an appearance and get things back in order.

And good for them, because left to our own devices, someone was going to get hurt or a whole was going to be put in the wall.

Something similar is happening in Acts 9:1.

ACTS 9:1

Acts 9 is going to recount the resurrected Jesus appearing to Paul. It starts like this:

"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples..."

While it isn't uncommon for God to speak and angels to appear to the pious (ie - Hannah, Zacheus, Elizabeth, etc.), we also find that God speaks and appears to those that oppose him.

Specifically in the resurrection accounts we find that Jesus appears to Simon (denied Jesus), Thomas (disbelieved Jesus), and here to Paul (murderous towards disciples).

This is one of the great things about the resurrected Jesus - it isn't only for the pious, it's also for the opposers.

A PRAYER FOR THE UN/BELIEVING

This is a great prayer for those in our worlds that don't believe - that Jesus would appear, speak, and make himself known to those that oppose him.

"Lord, when so-and-so opposes you would you appear to them."

This is a great prayer for those that believe as well.

"Lord, when I oppose you, would you appear to me."

These are great prayers because this is what we know: when Jesus appears to us - he gets us in the right place, moving in the right direction, and doing the right thing for our life.

He's called all of us to different things - some to work in the world of education, finance, medicine, housekeeping, etc. and when Jesus shows up he ensures that we are putting our hand to the work he has called us to.

It's good to be in this sweet spot - even if there is some suffering that comes along with it.