Phil 3.12-14 “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

30 years or so after his remarkable conversion, Paul is pressing into his relationship with Jesus. He is still seeking to comprehend the purpose for which he was called. We are to imitate Paul in his passionate pursuit of The Lord as well, beloved. The comment is often made (as I just did) about Paul’s remarkable conversion. Do you realize, dear ones, that your conversion is just as remarkable?

We have been born of The Spirit, by grace, through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. Like Paul, we have been redeemed to have fellowship with The Lord, and be an instrument for His use in this world. You are His ambassador in a fallen and broken world that has lost its moral compass. Our call is not sinless perfection, but sincere pursuit of The One Who not only loved me and died for me, but called me to serve me in His kingdom. Glorious!

While on one hand, we ask the question, what is man? On the other hand, we understand that we are His soldiers in a world that is still war with Him. So with feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, we step out this morning with a mission. To apprehend what Jesus in His providence and His purposes has in store for me today.

In order to attend to this call of God on my life, I must constantly look to the cross and forget my past. As long as I am self-absorbed with either my guilt or my self-righteous thinking, I am of no use to Jesus or anyone else, because the only person I care about is myself. Beloved, be sensitive to the invisible hand of providence in your life today. Listen for the voice and instruction of The Great Shepherd. He has apprehended you to use your life to accomplish more for His glory and honor than you can ever imagine.