Sometimes God really surprises us with the people he decides to save. Saul of Tarsus comes to mind. He was a terrible person who dragged men and women who followed The Way to prison, even torturing some of them to death. He thought he was doing God a good service.

I’m fascinated every time I read this passage. Jesus came down again just to pay this man a personal visit. Later, he referred to Saul as a chosen vessel with specific purposes he would fulfill for God.

We also used to follow the ways of the world, gratifying our sinful cravings and desires. We were all like sheep going astray, deserving God’s wrath. Not one of us can be called righteous (Romans 3:10-11).

Yet God says we were also chosen, just like Paul, and it’s because of God’s mercy that we are in Christ so no one can boast before him. For all eternity we were in his Father’s possession. “All that the Father gives me will come to me and it is my Father’s will that I shall lose none.” (John 6:37)

Before he died, Jesus prayed that he might give eternal life to all those his Father had given him (John 17:2). I think heaven will be full of surprises when we see who’s made it there. As we approach the entrance, we will know we are not worthy to be there either.

*“Father, thank you for your great love for us, making us alive when we were dead in our sins. We praise you for the amazing grace and kindness you have shown us in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Go Deeper — Read 2 Timothy 1:9 and ponder your own calling according to God’s own purpose and grace, given to you in Christ before time began.



Tags: God's Attributes Romans 10
Photo Credit: Porapak Apichodilok