Galatians 1:11-24

Galatians 1:11-24New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, “The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.

Two things stand out for me here: the ongoing nature of revelation and the fact that God can do absolutely anything with anyone.

Paul claims his ability to receive the revelation of Christ comes despite everything he had going against him. Despite that he had been an enemy, not just of the church, but of Christ himself.

If Paul can end up being the first theologian of the Church - the founder in so many ways indeed of our church - what can God do with me? With you?

With the person you might think least likely to be a follower of Christ?

Nobody gets written off.  God makes all things possible for anyone.

And God doesn't stop revealing either. The Bible didn't close and shut down God's activity in the world.

I've appreciated for a while the United Church of Christ's "God is Still Speaking."  God still has something to say to the world and to us.  God is still glorified despite all that we make wrong and all that we see wrong in others.

Who is it that perhaps you have written off that maybe it's time to take a second look at?

God of mercy and revelation: help us to see each other as you see us, in perfect love and understanding.  Amen.