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Last night, my Games and Missions kids group read in Acts 9 where Saul (who hadn’t apparently changed his name quite yet!) escapes from Damascus.  Saul, the Jewish leader, who supported- maybe even led- the execution of Stephen and other lovers of Jesus, who didn’t have to even get his hands dirty with their blood, but stood and held everyone elses coats- has an experience with Jesus and suddenly has new life.  He has experienced victory over death through the grace of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.  Now he finds himself a wanted man in Damascus.  He is in danger of losing his life now.  The man who came to Damascus to capture Jesus lovers and bring them proudly to Jerusalem in chains is now hiding  in a basket and escaping through a crack in the walls of Damascus.  I’m sure to Saul it didn’t feel like a very victorious moment.  But we can’t judge what God is doing based on what we are feeling.  Saul realizes the good work that God is doing and continues to preach, to praise and to share.

My question for the kids was how has Jesus changed the way you live your life?  Can others see the new creation in you?  Are you guided mostly by feelings or your faith and trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God?

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