There is a pattern in the way God forms his leaders. Saul was converted to Christianity in a miraculous encounter. He immediately began preaching the Good News of Jesus as Messiah. This 180 degree turnaround was shocking for all people who knew Saul or knew about his reputation. He quickly began to learn the persecution that he once doled out to followers of the Way. Read a passage from Acts chapter nine:
When Saul reached Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. But they were all afraid of him, finding it impossible to believe that he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him by the hand and introduced him to the apostles, and explained to them how he had seen the Lord on his journey, and how the Lord had spoken to him. He further explained how Saul had spoken in Damascus with the utmost boldness in the name of Jesus.
After that Saul joined with them in all their activities in Jerusalem, preaching fearlessly in the name of the Lord. He used to talk and argue with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they made several attempts on his life. When the brothers realized this they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. (Verses 26-30)
The apostles of Jerusalem and their disciples were at first wary of Saul. When Barnabas stepped forward to defend Saul, they accepted him as a brother. Saul wasted no time in preaching Jesus’ name in Jerusalem. The disciples soon learned of attempts on Saul’s life.
They responded by shipping Saul away. They sent him to his hometown – Tarsus. You know how a prophet is accepted in his hometown! It was like God was giving Saul a divine timeout. Perhaps it was in these days that Saul received the further revelations from Jesus that he talks about in his letters.
It was a time of desert wanderings in his hometown. In this time, Saul was prepared to be called by Barnabas, who once defended him, to nurture and preach the gospel to new Christians. It was a time for waiting on the Lord.
Whether we like it or not, we need time for waiting. Waiting for God is a time for formation to be a leader. Waiting is hard to do. But waiting is often necessary for discerning the will of God.
Teach us, O Lord, to wait.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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