July 24

Written by Bill Grandi on July 24th, 2020

Have you ever been angry? I mean…really angry? The kind of anger that blinds you to reality, to be able to see and to think clearly? The kind of anger that consumes you, taking over the logical part of your brain and actually is the impetus for some irrational and vengeful actions on your part? I hope not but, if so, you may have a taste of Paul’s/Saul’s motives. Let me explain.

In Matthew 23 we find what is called “The 7 Woe” passage. Jesus pronounces 7 woes or judgements on the Pharisees. The woes exposed their religious hypocrisy. These 7 woes were a scathing rebuke. Fast forward a couple of years to Acts 7: 58 and we find a one verse mention of Saul’s presence at the stoning of Stephen. In Acts 9 we see him viciously carrying out vengeance and a vendetta against the early followers of Jesus. ‘Course we know how all that changed, but let’s not miss the point. Jesus condemned the Pharisees; Saul was a Pharisee; therefore, Saul was condemned.

In Phil.3  Paul recounts some information about himself: “…as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.” Whether he heard Jesus or not we don’t know, but there is no doubt he got the message…and he didn’t like it.

No one likes to be called a hypocrite. Sadly, if the shoe fits wear it. That goes for me too. Every act of not backing up what I say with my actions is another black mark on the reputation and message of Jesus.

“Father, help me to be true to You, to be true to my words. Help me to be true to what I say by how I live.”

 

2 Comments so far ↓

  1. Oh, Amen, Bill! Me too, LORD.

    I read a quote by St. Francis of Assisi (“Everywhere you go, preach The Gospel. And, if necessary, use words.”) many years ago and it had a profound effect on me.

    And that is what your post is saying to me.

  2. Please, Lord, save me from ever being a hypocrite! Let all my words and actions reflect Your love.
    Blessings, Bill!