A Pattern

I have never sewn anything in my life, but my wife has. Actually, Christy is pretty good at using a sewing machine. What I learned from watching her is, you need a pattern to use. The pattern shows what can take place, what can happen if you follow the rules and the pattern.

The Apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy in his first epistle (1:15-16), "Faithful is the word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. But because of this I was shown mercy, that in me, the foremost, Jesus Christ might display all His longsuffering for a pattern to those who are to believe on Him unto eternal life. (Recovery Version)" Paul readily admits that he is the "chiefest among sinners", that is, foremost. I believe what Paul is trying to say is, "I am the last one you would have ever dreamed the Lord word have chosen and saved. However, He has saved me and called me and my life demonstrates the longsuffering of God. In actuality, my life is a pattern. It is a pattern of what God can do if you will only surrender to Him."

What encouraging words for all of us! How many have thought that they were not worthy of being redeemed? How many have thought their sin was too great and their past too horrible? I think the moral of the story of Paul's life is, if God will choose one who once spoke against Him and sought to harm those who followed Christ ... if God would save one who participated in the murder of Stephen, or at least consented to it, then you and I are in good company. God will do the same for us. Encourage yourself in the Lord, oh saint of God, no matter how horrid your past, if you turn to the Lord, He will do something great in your life. You have a pattern to look at and it is the Apostle himself. Isn't God wonderful?

This is today,

Pastor Gary