HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Acts 9:4

“Why do you persecute Me?” asks Jesus. Let me lay the emphasis on the first word — “Why?” Why is it that I have opposed Him? that I have neglected Him? that I have forgotten Him? Ah, there is no coherent response that I can make. I am speechless, like the man in the parable, like Saul stricken to the ground. It is impossible for me to define the motives and the arguments which have led me on. It is impossible for me to frame a sufficient and satisfying apology for what I have been. Thus the Spirit of God teaches me the folly, the perversity, and the stupidity of my sin.

“Why do you persecute Me?” asks Jesus. Now let me lay the emphasis on the last word — “Me!” “What have I done,” the Saviour inquires — “I, that I should receive your wounding and your hate?” He is the Shepherd who died for my healing. He is the Physician who comes to bind up my broken heart. And I — I will have none of Him. I pitched so low, and He so exceeding high — I still dare to despise and refuse Him, Him who merits all my reverence and all my love. Thus the Spirit of God teaches me the black thanklessness and criminality of my sin.

I would learn both lessons, as solemn as they are. For the Lord’s afflicting, goes before the Lord’s cure. The night of weeping is the introduction to the morning of joy. Indeed, I cannot have too deep a sense of my own guilt. Because it is not a temporary relief that I need, because it is an everlasting salvation, I must understand the deadly nature of my disease. I may cheat myself otherwise with a counterfeit peace. I may mistake tinsel for gold.

But your answer is in Jesus.