I Have a Story to Tell

Scripture: For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: how Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and was seen by Cephas, and then by the twelve. Then He was seen by over five hundred brothers at once, of whom the greater part remain to this present time, though some have passed away. Then He was seen by James and then by all the apostles. Last of all, He was seen by me also, as by one born at the wrong time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Observation: In running through whom saw Jesus after his resurrection, there are two interesting statements provided by Paul - one a fact, and one a personal opinion.

The fact is that Jesus appears to Peter and the 12 disciples, then to 500, then to James and the other apostles. (Assuming this is James his brother, not James the Lesser or James the brother of John, as they are both part of the 12.) This fact is enlightening in the number of 500 whom Jesus appeared to. This was way beyond the ~70 or so in the upper room ... this is a significant gathering. It is further evidence that Jesus was not secretive or in hiding after his resurrection.

The opinion is that Paul feels unfortunate that he did not see Jesus until ~3 years later. His observation that this was as if he was "born at the wrong time" is interesting. Paul was not born in his faith during the ministry of Jesus, but was born into his faith afterwards. It is a great metaphor, and a great insight into Paul's mindset about his conversion experience.

Application: I have personally struggled with my "born again" experience. I was raised Christian, turned away from God, finally accepted God and Jesus when I was 27, but not baptized until my late 40s. So I always believed in Jesus from a young age until about 17, then needed to believe as an adult. This has left me confused about my conversion story. Paul's is clear - the story of his persecution of the church and then conversion on the road to Damascus is fully documented. Mine is less clear, even to myself.

However, I have a story to tell, and my story is likely similar to others. I was raised by Christian parents, turned away, and needed to believe in Jesus through my own faith and through Jesus' own actions of grace and mercy toward me. Paul is able to use his conversion story with the Corinthians ... none of them saw the resurrected Jesus, and Paul himself was not honored as one who initially saw Jesus. He was "born" only after fighting against the faith. Likewise, I fought against the faith in my heart, and then was convinced on the evidence and action of Jesus ... his appearance in my life.

I will continue to tell my story to others who may be in similar situations, so that perhaps they can relate and seek Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, I am here to do your work today. Please place whatever situations you like in my path today, and fill my heart with your words. Amen.