Greetings to all my young brothers and sisters. May the Lord God bless you in your youth and make you all blossom into men and women of excellence, useful for building His Kingdom. May the Lord also make your days of youth joyful, blessed and eventful years in your life.

Two thousand years ago, there was an young man born in a good Jewish family, inherited Roman citizenship (which gave nobility as the Roman empire was spread across) and groomed in theology in Jerusalem under the great Gamaliel, teacher of teachers. With his aspirations, acumen, dedication and credentials, this young man could move into the inner circle of the Jewish orthodox clergy, who were the de facto rulers over the Jewish population. His name was Saul. Those days there was a great turmoil about another young Jewish carpenter, who was doing signs and wonders never heard of. He was preaching to the people, and it appeared to the ruling class that He was initiating people against the Mosaic law, very sacred to the jewish orthodoxy and a hidden factor was of jealousy about His growing popularity. Finally He was crucified and His teachings banned. But the bigger scam arose later  that He had risen from the dead again and appeared to many people. His name is  Jesus of  Nazareth. Suddenly the brief spell of peace after the crucification  was broken with a ring of fire as His disciples and believers started speaking in strange languages and even though most of them fisherman and illiterates, their wisdom was astounding. Thousands of people confessed their faith in Jesus and  were called “Christians”. The Jewish clergy rose up in anger and persecution started. Saul was one of the most aggressive and personally oversaw execution of  one   Stephen who was preaching that Jesus is Christ (Messiah) and did lots of signs and wonders. Saul got a letter from the authorities to visit Damascus and arrest these “believers of Jesus” and put an end to this “menace”.

As Saul was riding a horse with his band of men following him, suddenly there was a bright light shone around him from above. Not able to withstand, Saul  fell down from his horse and  heard a voice : “ Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me ?” (Acts 9:4) We all know this story and how Saul became blind and was taken to the city of Damascus. He was lodged in the house of one Judas in a street called “Straight”. God restored his sight and anointed him to be Paul, who became a great missionary of Jesus to spread the Gospel among the gentiles in many nations. His letters and writings constitute about a third  of New Testament. Today also we draw wisdom from the writings of Paul to gain insight and understanding of the Gospel.

Now, coming to the street called “Straight”, this street has withstood the time zones of 2000 years, and is standing tall in the city of Damascus even today. People identify the house where Paul lodged after the encounter with Jesus and becoming blind. Paul meditated in this house in prayer for three days in total blindness, and it is written , he was fasting and praying for all the three days without food and water ( Acts 9:9-11). 

I was pondering about the name of the street called “straight” where Paul landed. I was also pondering about his life till he reached this place. Born to a good family, roman citizen, attended public school, student of the great Gamaliel,,,,, the credentials are numerous. I am sure his parents should have been very proud about their son Saul, groomed in a “good way” (straight way ?) and landing in the inner circle of the jewish clergy which was a very honourable position. Even Paul would have been proud about his accomplishments of his youth. Until, he landed in a street called “Straight”. Three days, he must have been meditating on all these credentials and his belief system created with a very strong foundation, all to be broken down into pieces with one voice : “ I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” ( Acts 9:5). From then on,  his ways were straightened as he started to obey the command of the Lord : “ Arise and go into the city; and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6). On the third day, His eyes were opened ! Saul became Paul the Apostle. Rest is history ! 

Most  of our parents without exception initiate this rat race even before we are born. Mostly it is  whatever were their aspirations which could not be achieved in their lives, they will try to push it on the child and youth. Get hundred marks in all subjects. Get the first rank. Go to the prestigious school and college ! Design your career for a good life with social status and economic prosperity. Suddenly this youth finds himself at cross roads when he fails to achieve the parent’s desire or many times even after achieving all these material things. There is a philosophical vacuum deep inside. Somany unanswered questions about life ! With a little stress, goes into a depression and sometimes even extreme case of taking away the precious life. We see this even in prestigious Institutes of eminence where only the elite of the elite after so much filtering gets inside the campus. But not matured enough to face simple facets of life  which many times a rugged village youth has attained ! 

There is nothing wrong in standing first in the class. There is nothing wrong in aspiring to study in the best Institution. There is nothing wrong in aspiring for a good social and economic position. The problem comes many times, because in the process of attaining this, we loose everything precious in our lives. Childhood games, free time, time with parents, siblings and peers etc., most importantly building our relationship with God and living a spirit filled prayer life. You can gain knowledge by going to a public school, but wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord. The rat race goes on until we land in a street called “straight” for introspection and course correction – to live with the Lord as the Head of the house and seeking everything from Him and hiding inside Him during the dark patches of life. Should we wait till such  a time or should we  seek an encounter with the Lord today ? Our Lord is mighty enough and graceful enough to oblige you any time.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you   (Mathew 6:33)

Prayer: Dear Lord God,

We thank you for all your blessings in our life. Make us accept and obey You in our youth. Anoint us with Your grace to be fruitful in our youth and to keep us holy and be successful in everything.

We seek this in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

God’s Love Missions Family