Psalms 8:1 and 16:2.

I went looking for my Shepherd in His green pastures, browsing in Acts. The Mind of the Spirit met the spirit of my mind in the story of Paul’s conversion when in Acts 9:11-12 I noticed that Jesus had led Paul to the “house of Judas”:

Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

I thought, How poetic. Christ appointed Judas to be the last of His 12 Apostles of the Lamb (Matthew 10:1-4; see Revelation 21:14). At the time that He appointed Judas as His twelfth Apostle, He knew Judas was “a devil” (John 6:64, 69-70). The prophecy of Judas’ betrayal was fulfilled (Psalm 109:6-10, Acts 1:20; see Psalm 41:9 with John 13:18; Psalm 55:12-14 with Matthew 26:14-16; Zechariah 11:12-13 with Matthew 26:14-15 and 27:3-10). Many of these prophecies are presented poetically in the Psalms, embedded in the life experiences of David. 

Peter thought he would inject himself into the poetry of David’s prophecy and lead the Ekklesia to appoint Judas’ replacement (Acts 1:20-26). The men of the Church elected Matthias. Paul testified that he was chosen personally by Christ to be His Apostle. Listen to the Spirit testify that Paul was “an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)”  (Galatians 1:1). According to the prophecy, someone was to replace Judas. The church, under Peter’s direction, chose Matthias. Jesus chose Paul.*

Now, don’t you think it’s elegant and poetic that Jesus would crash into Paul’s life in high drama, blind him, and then lead him providentially into the house of a man named Judas, where he would receive his sight and be baptized? (Acts 9:4-9). I’m sure that later, when Paul learned about Judas and the confusion over who Jesus chose to replace him, Paul did not miss the poetry of his calling. 

Along the still waters, I reflected on the divine poetry evident in my life. So many coincidences that later proved to be divine incidents directing my life into His plan and purpose. I might relate one or two during the livestream. You have them, too—a series of events that cannot be explained apart from the unseen but active Hand of God working out His purpose and plan for your life. For some, it’s open for others to see. For others, it’s private, personal, “for your eyes only.” One of those poetic moments came to Paul when Jesus entered into his life and transferred the Bishoprick from Judas to him, and arranged to do this in “the house of Judas” (Acts 9:11-12). Poetic!

Into the valley we went, and to the Cross we trekked. There, kneeling, I thought of the wonderful poetry of Calvary. And I heard the elegant poetry of His call to you and to me: “If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). God’s poetry was written in and through the life of His servant David (Psalm 22 is one of many examples). Let’s let the poetry of redemption be written in the hearts of others through our lives and testimony. 

At the table, He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) to face whatever evil lurks in the way of my day (Matthew 6:34). Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear your poetry in my life, and the lives of those I meet.

Praying for revival! 🙏

Going live as soon as I can set up the livestream.

https://rumble.com/v6w36qs-shepherds-pasture.html

*[Peter acknowledged Paul’s authority in 2 Peter 3:15-16, and submitted to Paul’s reproof (Galatians 2:11—“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.”).]