Most Wanted
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; ~Acts 26:16
The law enforcement of our land maintains a database of criminals who are most wanted. This list is designed for members of the public to be aware of the need for the most wanted to be caught. Our devotion this morning deals with a most wanted list that God has for fulfilling His will. Next to being saved is the wonder that God will use us. It is sometimes hard for Christians to fathom the fact that God has a supreme purpose for our lives that enables us to be tools that help advance His cause. No matter what our background or limitations, God wants to use us. This morning, we are reflecting on God’s most wanted list for service.
We see the divine appearance.
Paul shares with us how the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus. It was on that road that Paul was knocked off of his horse, and he came face-to-face with the Jesus Who wanted to save his soul. He realized for the first time in his life that he was living for the wrong purpose. Of everyone alive in that day, Paul realized that he was on the Lord’s most wanted list. Jesus wanted him to be saved! Jesus wanted him to stop being an enemy of the gospel. Jesus wanted him to come to his senses and realize that he was going to Hell if he did not get saved that day. Are you aware of the divine appearance of Christ in your life? Are you aware of the fact that if you are not saved, you are on His most wanted list?
We see the designated appointment.
As soon as Paul gets saved, the Lord tells him, “But rise and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.” Paul was most wanted for salvation. Paul was told that he was most wanted for service. Jesus told him that there was a greater purpose in life than Paul could have ever imagined. That purpose was to be a flaming witness for the Lord. God knew that if the same fiery zeal that Paul had for persecuting the church could be transferred to winning souls and starting churches, the first century would have an unprecedented impact. Next to Jesus' death and resurrection, God’s appointment of Paul as an evangel of God served to impact the world greatly. Being most wanted implies God has something great in store for you.
We see the devoted application.
Well, Paul was informed, instructed, and inspired from this meeting with the Lord. What would Paul do? Would he go home and think about it? Would he make a comparative analysis between preaching the gospel and pursuing a professional career? No! Paul accepted the calling and said, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Paul made a whole-hearted and devoted application of this calling. He devoted his life to preaching the gospel and starting churches. It was during the height of his ministry service that people described the phenomenon of the spread of the church as they "that have turned the world upside down." Paul went from being the most wanted to the most obedient and the most valuable. He gave himself wholly to the advancement of the gospel.
Like Paul, you also are most wanted! God wants the most for every sinner to be saved! God wants the most for every believer to be a soulwinner. God wants the most for every believer to be successful in the endeavors of the Lord. Be someone today who makes it known that you responded to being most wanted and that you are someone most used of the Lord.
Have an abounding God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Song of Isaiah 9-12