INTRODUCTION

The apostle Paul was a wicked man carrying out wicked deeds until the Lord met him on the road to Damascus. Paul’s warfare with the Lord was likened to Paul kicking against pricks. Though Paul thought he was doing good, he was, in reality, hurting himself by putting himself in opposition to the Lord. Some men in Paul’s position would magnify their rebellion if confronted by the Lord. Paul, however, responded by submitting himself to the Lord’s conviction and seeking out the necessary means for proper restitution. He did not seek to accuse the Lord or justify himself. Instead, the apostle asked the question, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) Read how Zacchaeus, a disliked tax collector, responded when he met Jesus (Luke 19:1-8 [1] And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. [2] And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. [3] And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. [4] And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. [5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. [6] And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [8] And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
  See All...). Compare the response of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22 [16] And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? [17] And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [20] The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [21] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [22] But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
  See All...). What can you learn from the different responses?
• How do you respond when the Lord convicts you of sin? Do you continue to carry out your wicked desires, or do you submit yourself to the conviction and confess that God is right concerning your sin?
• What would you be willing to do to make things right between you and the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you respond like Paul.
• Ask God to give you a greater understanding of conviction.

HYMN

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