Who is the least likely person in the world to follow Jesus? Would it be your spouse, child, parent, boss, or enemy? Expect the conversion of those whom you consider least likely to love Jesus.
When Levi, the scum of the earth, repented and followed Jesus, Jesus showed there is no one whom He cannot reach. Paul was "a blasphemer, a persecutor, a man filled with arrogance" (1 Tm 1:13). He was the worst sinner (1 Tm 1:15), "an extreme case" (1 Tm 1:16). After his conversion, Paul became "an example to those who would later have faith" (1 Tm 1:16).
"You can depend on this as worthy of full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Tm 1:15). Jesus came "to call sinners" (Mk 2:17), and He has transformed countless lives minute after minute for century after century. Although Satan has formidable power to pervert us, the Lord has infinite, crucified, risen, and divine power to convert us.
Therefore:
The world is in bad shape. We may be beset with problems. Our culture is extremely toxic. However, we are hopeful, confident, and joyful because Jesus is converting the world right now. Alleluia!
| PRAYER: | Father, give me a heart like Jesus' heart for sinners. |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord anoints you commander over His heritage. You are to govern the Lord's people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout." —1 Sm 10:1 |
| PRAISE: | St. Hilary chose Christianity as a result of a long, thoughtful process of study. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College