AMAZING CHANGE
- Key Verse
When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:9-10 NIV
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Central Truth
Jesus Christ changes lives in ways that fill others with wonder and amazement!
Reflections
"Roc, you be trippin'! You smilin' all the time! What happen, man?" - comment of one Crips gang member in a Texas prison to another.
An intimidating-looking 30-year-old, Roc would meet new inmates when they arrived at his unit with an ultimatum: would you like my protection or would you like to take your chances on your own? Just looking at him was enough to convince the new inmates that turning down his offer was not a good idea. Protection might be paid for by doing favors for him, keeping questionable items in their cells for him, buying commissary items for him or whatever Roc demanded. He was the spokesperson for the gang on his block and after 11 years at the same unit he had the reputation of being someone you didn't want to cross. He could get other inmates to do what he wanted or suffer the consequences.
So what made the gang member ask Roc “What happen, man?” What was different about him? Why was he smiling all the time? Why was he sharing what he had instead of extorting others to get what he wanted? Why was he trying to help and serve others rather than demanding they do what he said? Why was he refusing to be part of his old gang?
Roc encountered Jesus and His love and forgiveness and he became a new man! Roc has grown through Kairos, a ministry of volunteers that provides weekly Bible studies and group meetings to encourage men to live what they learn about Jesus. He is reading the Bible with excitement, getting direction and answers from what he reads and sharing verses with everyone he talks to. He is praying for those he has disagreements or misunderstandings with and learning to ask for forgiveness. He delights in writing to and receiving letters from his new "family" of believers. Roc is now boldly telling inmates, relatives, officers – anyone who will listen - about what Jesus has done for him. His life shows amazing change and the response of others is wonder and amazement!
Discussion Questions
1. What change has Jesus made in your life that would cause others to react with wonder and amazement?
2. What do you tell others about this change?
3. Are there people you know who need to hear about what Jesus has done for you? What are your plans for telling them?
Jeremy
January 8, 2010 09:00 AM
I think Roc gets what the church at large misses sometimes. He does what it takes to evoke wonder and amazement. I pray our church will continue to do what evokes wonder and amazement from those around us. Thanks for your presence at the prison and for your reflections, Becky.
Kelli Lax
January 8, 2010 09:27 AM
God has truely blessed me in so many ways. I was deathly sick with anorexia nervosa and I looked for treatment centers for 12 months and by God's grace I found Remuda Ranch and I was given a secound chance on life. Now my husband and I are blessed with a baby due in July that we thought could never happen.
Rich
January 8, 2010 11:45 AM
God delights in reclaiming His creations, even after the evil one has kicked us around and deluded us. "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise . . ." Roc is blessed to have a "Moma" like you.
j. arellano
January 8, 2010 12:16 PM
Kelli, After reading your comments and Becky's story of Roc, I'm just sitting here in amazement of God's goodness and blessings. Thank you for sharing how God has changed your life. May He continue to bless you and your growing family. jga
Kevilyn
January 8, 2010 04:15 PM
This is what the church is about.. this is what paul and silas and barnabus and all the other missionaries sought to do, change the way men thought and acted therefore making them disciples of Jesus Christ!
Diane Lafving
January 10, 2010 04:30 PM
I'm always filled with wonder and amazement and the mileage God is getting in the prison where Paul is ... but then, you and Rich are visiting on a regular basis. I know, I know - God gets all the glory. Just can't help notice His fingerprints in you and Rich! Thanks for the insight.
Mitzi
January 14, 2010 03:39 PM
God is in the life-changing business. I still wonder why a story like this surprises me?! Thank you for your faithfulness in ministry, Becky!