Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? … I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
Acts 9:4 and 5
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Why do you persecute me?
Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians. Suddenly a light from heaven shone round about him. He fell to the earth and heard a voice.
Notice what Jesus says. Not: why do you persecute my followers. But: why do you persecute me. He identifies himself completely with his people. And the church's greatest enemy became its greatest apostle. Nobody is too far away.
Question for today
Whom do I think too far gone ever to change?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you called Saul by his name. Nobody is too far away for you. Not me either, nor the people I least expect. Amen.