The Unlikely Recipients of God’s Mercy
God’s ways are often mysterious and surprising. Take Saul of Tarsus, for instance. This notorious persecutor of Christians, who brutally tortured and imprisoned many followers of The Way, was unexpectedly chosen by God to become a powerful vessel for His purposes. It’s astonishing to think that Jesus personally intervened in Saul’s life, revealing Himself to him in a dramatic encounter.
From Persecutor to Apostle
Saul’s transformation is a testament to God’s boundless mercy. Despite his heinous crimes, God saw fit to redeem him, gifting him with a new identity and a crucial role in spreading the Gospel. This remarkable turnaround serves as a powerful reminder that none of us are beyond redemption. We, too, were once lost, indulging in our sinful nature and deserving of God’s wrath. Yet, through His mercy, we are now partakers of His divine plan.
Chosen in Eternity
The Bible affirms that we were chosen by God before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). This profound truth is echoed in Jesus’ prayer, where He expresses His desire to give eternal life to all those the Father has given Him (John 17:2). It’s a staggering thought: for all eternity, we were in God’s possession, awaiting the moment when He would reveal Himself to us.
Surprises in Heaven
As we approach the gates of heaven, we will be reminded of our own unworthiness. But what a glorious surprise awaits us! We will behold the diverse multitude of souls who, like us, were undeserving of God’s love yet received it abundantly. The realization will dawn on us that we, too, were chosen, not because of our merits, but solely due to God’s boundless mercy.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Let us echo the sentiment of the psalmist, offering a heartfelt prayer of thanks to our Heavenly Father: “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.”
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