Halftime

Acts 8:1

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

When we first meet the Apostle Paul, he has a different name. He is named Saul of Tarsus, and he has just consented to the death of Stephen, the first martyr.

Saul is pleased at Stephen’s death. What follows is as much doom and destruction as one man can produce. Men and women were thrown into prison, the believers scattered. Paul was an evil tormentor of Jesus’ church. In the next chapter he believes in Christ and begins preaching the same Gospel he hated! He goes on to write 12 or 13 (scholars disagree) of the 27 books of our New Testament!

But what about his past? How can God use a man who was so wrong for so long?

One word: Grace

On New Years Day, 1929, Georgia Tech was playing California. Late in the second quarter, Roy Riegels recovered a fumble for California, and in his excitement became confused and began running in the wrong direction.

After racing 65 yards he was finally tackled by his own player at the California 2 yard line.  California attempted to punt from deep in their own end zone, but the kick was blocked and Georgia Tech scored a safety.

In the locker room at half time, Riegels sat in the corner with his face buried in his hands, crying. The room was silent. The coach didn't make his usual half-time speech, but shortly before the team was to take the field for the second half, he said, "The starting team is going back onto the field to begin the second half."

The whole team left the locker room except for Riegels, who remained in the corner with his face in hands. "I can't do it, Coach," he said. "I can't play. I've ruined the team." The coach said, "Get up Riegels, the  game is only half over. You belong on the field."

Like Paul, grace is there for you. The devil will beat you over the head with your past if you let him. Instead of listening to him, listen to God who is telling you, “Get up, your game isn’t over yet.”

Today’s Readings: Job 3,4; Acts 8,9

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