He is Kind to Ungrateful & Wicked People

Center Stage: Saul of Tarsus

Luke 6:32-38.| Acts 9:1-19

One of the most disparate characteristics found in people of faith can too often be their disdain, abhorrence, and vengefulness toward those they find to be outside God’s will and way. On the one hand, it’s a natural response. Self-defense and preservation are part of what make humans strong.

There’s also a tendency to feel like we must defend the righteousness and honor of God. But God doesn’t look for our defense. God has asked for our witness.

This is perhaps no clearer than in Jesus’ teachings and words in what is most often called the sermon on the plain (Luke) or sermon on the mount (Matthew). He says such things as if you just love those who love you, why would you be commended? and love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Luke tells us that Saul of Tarsus was at the forefront of the violent persecution of the 1st century Church. His encounter with Jesus was initiated by God. Saul was clearly not seeking Jesus. Jesus confronted him. But Jesus didn’t kill him, put him on a pole, or even ridicule him. He surely told him to stop the destruction, but his posture was not vengeance. In fact, it was the opposite: he saw in Saul a gift to be turned around and used for the Kingdom.

Luke 6:32-38

“If you love those who love you, why should you be commended? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, why should you be commended? Even sinners do that. If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return. If you do, you will have a great reward. You will be acting the way children of the Most High act, for he is kind to ungrateful and wicked people. Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.

“Don’t judge, and you won’t be judged. Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return.”

Acts 9:1-19

Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?”

Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

“I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.”

Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything.

In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

He answered, “Yes, Lord.”

The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.”

The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After eating, he regained his strength.

He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days.

Prayer

God,

In those times when people are against me, I certainly have the propensity to get defensive. I don’t like to be challenged. Honestly God, much of the time, my defensiveness comes because I feel like someone is getting in the way of what I think you have asked me to do.

But I do see in Jesus’ example something much different than defensiveness. I see a lasting example of love and faithfulness to you and to the people you love (like, everyone).

Lord, there’s a meme going around that reminds me I’ll never look into the eyes of someone you don’t love. Keep this in my heart alway, Lord.

And yet, help me navigate those situation where someone is indeed working against me. Keep me from being a bulldozer, but make me still yet a tractor, cultivator, developer. Give me patience for where the soil has is yet to be worked enough to be fertile. Season me with what is good and necessary for the growth of your work, both in me and in others.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.