Opening the Closed Mind
By Pamela Blattner
“‘I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth…’” [Apostle Paul]
Acts 26:9
“‘I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…’” [Apostle Paul]
Philippians 3:8a
By Pamela Blattner
“‘I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth…’” [Apostle Paul]
Acts 26:9
“‘I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…’” [Apostle Paul]
Philippians 3:8a
A friend of mine recently lost her father without knowing for sure if he had a personal relationship with God before he died. For years, she had shared her faith with him and led a godly life. Do you have anyone in your life who resists learning what the Scriptures say about salvation? Many have closed minds and refuse to have anything to do with Jesus. These individuals respond to Christians in one of two ways. They're either polite but firm in their rejection of Christ. Or, they're belligerent and opposed toward those who call Jesus "Savior."
Before I prayed for my friend, I asked God to show me something in His Word that would bring her comfort the next time we visited. Was there anything in Scripture that demonstrated that God's message of salvation could penetrate those whose minds are shut? God brought to mind the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul. Paul was a very devout, religious person and professed his faith in God the Father. But he rejected Jesus as God, the Son. Consequently, he hated the Lord and all of His followers. In his zeal, Paul single-mindedly persecuted believers, even going so far as to try to force them to blaspheme Christ. And yet, God's Spirit convicted this cruel man of his sin, gave him an awareness of his own need for a Savior, and revealed that Jesus was the only solution for him and everyone else. Paul’s story proves that no one is beyond the reach of God's love.
As you think of that someone in your life who’s currently resistant to Jesus, be encouraged. Although it’s an extreme, it’s great to know that Paul came under conviction by the Holy Spirit when he was persecuting Christians. What a turnaround that was in his life. He became an apostle who witnessed unwavering devotion to Jesus. What a remarkable, surprising God we have!
This Easter season, ask God to show you how you can confidently join Him in His work. Invite someone to the Easter Production; ask a friend out for coffee and introduce her to Jesus; be Christ’s hands and feet to someone. Truly, no one is beyond the reach of God’s amazing love.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you know people who seem beyond God's reach? Continue to ask God for their salvation, and ask Him how He’d like to use you in the process.
FURTHER READING:
Ezekiel 11:19; 1 John 1:9; Acts 9:1-16
Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.
