Why are you doing this?

Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?

Don’t you find it odd that these would be Jesus’ first words to Paul?   He could have thundered against Paul’s violent campaign.   He could have urged Paul to repent.   He could have even opened with one of his many parables!   But Jesus chose instead to ask Paul a probing question—Why are you doing this?   What do you think you are accomplishing?

This isn’t the first time God has questioned one of his people.   When Elijah fled the wrath of Queen Jezebel and took refuge in a cave, God asked him, “Why are you here?”.   Appearing in disguise to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the risen Jesus asked, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”.   And speaking to Adam and Eve after they had eaten the forbidden fruit, God asked a number of questions: “Where are you? . . . Who told you that you were naked?   Have you eaten from the tree?”.

Of course, God knew the answers to all of these questions—just as he knew why Paul was persecuting him.   But he chose a humble approach rather than an overpowering one.   He invited these individuals to speak for themselves.   He opened a conversation with them so that they would examine their actions and come face-to-face with their sin, their fears, or their needs.

Jesus wants to ask you some questions today too.   What makes you anxious?   What one thing can you do today to build my kingdom?   Who can you love a little more today?   He never imposes himself on you.   Instead, he leads you step-by-step along the path he has marked out for you.   And when you step off of that path, he has the right questions to help get you back on track.

So try to spend a little time in prayer listening.   Let Jesus ask his questions, and don’t be afraid to answer.   Adam and Eve found the promise of restoration, Elijah found the courage to press on, the Emmaus disciples’ eyes were opened to see Jesus, and Saul of Tarsus became the great St. Paul.   Imagine what can happen to you as you hear and answer!

word among us