I am one of those people who sees a task and takes it on. If I am supposed to do something, I want to do it and get it over with. When I ask someone to do something, I want them to “get to it.” I am not a very patient person, and I know I need to work on it. However, when it comes to the Lord’s work, there is no time to waste. We have been given the great commission to go and tell others everywhere and then to disciple them. This was what Paul was called to do, and he wasted no time getting to it.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
In Acts 9:20, Paul was just a few days past his conversion on the road to Damascus. He eats and regains strength, and as soon as his sight and strength are restored, he heads to the church. He went there to preach in the synagogue that Jesus is the Son of God. He wasted no time telling others what had happened.
Those who heard him were amazed. They had known Paul when he was a persecutor of Christians. They wondered how a man who wanted all those who preached Christ dead could now be one of them. However, the stronger he got, the more he confounded, which means to stir up excitement. almost to the point of a riot. This man, who was such a devout Jew, was now a devout Christian. He wasted no time from the time he met Jesus until he died, telling others what had happened to him.
Act 9:20-22 “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”
Paul was a “get to it” kind of person. When he was convinced of something, he did not allow things to deter him. Now that he has preached in the synagogue that Jesus is the Christ, many are seeking to kill him. The disciples then took him by night and let him down over the wall in a basket.
Act 9:23 “And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
Paul did not wait for an invitation to present Jesus to those Jews in Damascus. He did not try to charm his way into their group or start his message with flowery words. He knew that what had happened to him was a miraculous change that only God could have done. He understood that those who did not believe in Jesus would spend eternity in Hell, and that knowledge prompted him to tell everyone wherever he went that Jesus was the Savior. He was ready and willing to save all who would believe in Him. He also knew that God loved everyone with a love so deep that he sacrificed His Son for their salvation. This “get to it” kind of person did not waste any time telling the truth to others.
Now for our application. Are you a “get to it” kind of person? Are you truly concerned about the eternal souls of others? Do you seek to get to know others so that you can tell them or be an influencer for Jesus? Each of us has a responsibility to share the message. We also have a responsibility to live a life invested in others for the cause of Christ. It is past time to get busy for Christ, but as they say, it is better late than never. I challenge you to reach out and make the most of every situation you encounter. To live to influence others for Him and to show the love of Christ.
Challenge yourself to be a “get to it” kind of person!
