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The Amish Voice 4
Actually, it was Alfred’s older brother who had died; a
newspaper reporter had bungled the epitaph.
But the account had a profound effect on Nobel. He
decided he wanted to be known for something other than
developing the means to kill people efficiently and for
amassing a fortune in the process. So he initiated the Nobel
Prize, the award for scientists and writers who foster peace.
Nobel said, “Every man ought to have the chance to
correct his epitaph in midstream and write a new one.”
Few things will change us as much as looking at our
life as though it is finished.
(Craig B. Larson, Editor.
Illus-
trations for Preaching & Teaching.
Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Books, 1993, p. 123.)
Nobel was fortunate—he had a warning that jolted him out of his
‘comfort zone.’ If you are reading this or listening to this, it is not too
late for you to go back and make things right with someone you have
hurt—or even to seek peace with someone who has hurt you!
QUESTIONS:
1. What things do you need to make right with others?
2. Has another person done something to hurt you? If he
came to you seeking your forgiveness, what would be
your reaction?
_____Total, unconditional forgiveness?
_____Great caution, watching your back for a knife?
_____Very skeptical, questioning his true motive?
_____Unforgiving, the pain is too deep?
3. THIRD, HE WENT TO JERUSALEM: HE FACED HIS
PAST (vv.18-20).
Before his conversion, Paul had lived in Jerusalem and had been
one of the officials of the ruling body (the Sanhedrin) or else had been
close to the leaders of the Sanhedrin. We know this because the San-
hedrin had been the official body which stood behind Paul’s attack
against the Christians. Whatever the case, Paul was well known in
Jerusalem, and he knew that some of his former friends would consid-
er him a betrayer to their religion and cause. Nevertheless, Paul want-
ed to share his testimony with as many of them as could be trusted.
However, Paul’s primary reason for going to Jerusalem was to
see Peter, the leader of the early Christians. By sharing with Peter,
Paul felt that many of the believers would know that he had been tru-
ly converted. They would thereby be more ready to accept him and
his ministry.
But note: the other apostles were apparently away on evangelistic
and mission tours. Paul saw no other Christian leader except James,
the Lord’s brother, who was pastor of the great Jerusalem church.
Imagine the sharing that must have taken place between Paul and
Peter...
as Paul shared his past, his conversion, and his experiences with
the Lord in Arabia.
as Peter shared the life of Christ while on earth.
Remember that Paul was relating his journeys to the Galatians for
a very specific purpose: to show that he had not learned the gospel
from men; he had received it from the Lord Himself. He was a true
apostle and minister of the Lord, and his gospel was the true gospel,
the gospel revealed to him by Christ Himself. Paul asserted the truth
of his claim with the solemn declaration:
“Now the things which I write unto you, behold, be-
fore God, I lie not” (v.20).
APPLICATION:
As much as possible…
believers should seek to share Christ with former friends
and associates. Unbelievers need to see the change
Christ can make in lives.
believers should seek counsel and help as they launch
their ministries, in particular the counsel and help of
leaders.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh
you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and
fear” (1 Pe.3:15).
QUESTIONS:
1. Have you ever shared Christ with fellow workers? If so,
what were their responses? Do they usually see the love
of Christ in your life?
2. What was the purpose for Paul’s facing his past? What
areas of your past do you need to face?
3. Are you comfortable visiting people who knew you be-
fore you made a commitment to Christ? Do they see a
difference in you now? Do you tell them about what
changed your life?
4. FOURTH, HE WENT TO SYRIA AND CILICIA, THAT IS,
TARSUS: HE FACED HIS HOMETOWN (vv.21-22).
Tarsus was where Paul’s family lived and where his childhood
friends were, the place where he had gone to school and played as a
child. It was, of course, Paul’s desire to share Christ with as many of
his family and friends as he could.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven” (Mt.5:16).
QUESTIONS:
1. Sometimes, one of the hardest mission fields is at home.
What difficulties do you face in sharing Christ with un-
saved loved ones?
2. What would it take for every member of your family to
make a commitment to Christ? What can you do to lead
your family to make that commitment?
5. FIFTH, THE RESULTS OF A GOD-CENTERED LIFE
WERE POWERFUL (vv.23-24).