My Best Life, EVER! - Paul
The Dead Sea Scrolls are ancient manuscripts discovered in 1946/47 at the Qumran Caves. These scrolls are a keystone in the history of archaeology and have great historical, religious, and linguistic significance because they include the oldest surviving manuscripts of entire books later included in the biblical canons.
In another lesser-known cave (Bob's Cave), manuscripts were discovered, scribbled on five napkins from a popular first-century delicatessen, Shapiro's Deli. These napkins are covered with what is believed to be the fingerprint smudges in mayo and DNA samples of the one and only Apostle Paul. Of course, the authenticity of these 'Napkins has its doubters… GO FIGURE, but I AM A BELIEVER.
excerpt from Bob's Cave 'napkin #1'
Hi, my name is Paul, and let me tell you a bit about myself. I was living large as a big shot Pharisee who went by the name of Saul. The last thing I was… was a Christian. In fact, I was in charge of putting an end to this original 'Jesus People' nonsense. It was said about me in Acts 9:1-2 that I breathed out murderous threats against the disciples of The Way. We were NOT on the same team! I even checked coats during Stephen’s stoning. Acts 7:58
This was my life's mission… my purpose UNTIL that day on the road to Damascus when I saw the light (both literally & figuratively).
Like a traffic light on Main Street, this light stopped me dead in my tracks. And a voice from the light called out, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?” These were the words of truth from Jesus, which cut me to the core. Acts 9:3-5 This light, this voice, this Jesus had my full attention.
So here I am, blind as a bat with cataracts and have to be led the rest of the way to Damascus. This is where I met God, and to show God’s ironic sense of humor. I resigned from my position as ‘Chief Church Prosecutor / Persecutor’ and made a 180-degree change, now sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to both the Jews and Gentiles.
excerpt from Bob's Cave 'napkin #2'
Once my sight returned, I could not stop preaching Jesus Christ. I was, of course, at first received cautiously by Christians who were unsure of my motives, as my whole breathing murders and threats up until this point made a negative impression. GO FIGURE. And my whole 'Jesus loves me this I know' attitude was now a 'mystery wrapped in an enigma' with my Pharisee Lodge brothers.
But in time, Christians saw my passion for Jesus was real, and the Jewish community realized this was not a Pharisee mid-life crisis. My life would never be the same. It was a perilous but miraculous time to be a follower of Jesus Christ; this would be my journey/mission for the rest of my days.
There was even a time when differences between Silas and me resulted in us respectfully going different directions while still serving the same God. We came up with the word denominations to accommodate our differences, as 'the church' is one body of many parts. I’m not sure this whole denomination’s concept will ever catch on, but we liked it.
It was a time to sing, a time of high drama, and a time to stand up to share the truth that Jesus is the Messiah!
Side note: I also remember when a young man named Eutychus fell asleep during one of my sermons, fell from a balcony to his death, but .. got better? From this day forward, this young man was known as the unofficial patron saint for those who ‘sleep in church’.
Note: I have no hard feelings towards Eutychus and tend to get a little long-winded when I preach.
excerpt from Bob's Cave 'napkin #3'
This was the Tale of Two Ministries, where it was the best of times, and the worst of times. It was a time of great revival and great persecution. And no matter the price or personal cost, the gospel message of Jesus Christ must be told to both the Jews (God’s chosen people) and also the Gentiles (that is, the rest of y’all).
It was a time when the zealous anger of the religious establishment had me arrested while others plotted my death.
Of course, prison life, and being hated by those in power, was not on my 'bucket list'.. BUT God was able to use these times to share His Gospel truth like only He could. While I suffered, God gave me peace, and none of this was about me; it was about sharing the greater hope in Jesus Christ.
excerpt from Bob's Cave 'napkin #4'
I even endured a storm at sea and was shipwrecked on the island of Malta. I believe the name of the boat was the S.S. Minnow, and if not for the courage of the fearless crew, we would have all perished. Special thanks go out to the Skipper and his first mate, whom I think the professor called Gilligan.
Then, while around a fire on this island, I was bitten by a poisonous snake. Of course, God protected me again.. I shook off the snake, and the only frustrating aftereffect was that several of the crew took this as a sign to start a ‘Snake Handler Church’. Oh brother!
After 3 months on this Island we set sail again and made our trip to Jerusalem where again I could plead my case for Jesus and the truth that he was the son of God who came to Earth, lived, was crucified for our sins, and was resurrected, and now is in Heaven with the Father.
excerpt from Bob's Cave 'napkin #5'
What a great honor for God to choose me, the once great hater of the church, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ! God is so good, and I am blessed.
To sum it all up, after the Damascus Road, I was blinded, beaten, hated, shipwrecked, snake bit, and had a discount punch card for all my time spent in jail… BUT truth be told.. I was too busy serving to really notice.
These were the best years of my life.
My prayer today is that God blesses each of your lives with opportunities to serve Him and others in ways that make your lives full and complete. In ways that are beyond your dreams.
Be faithful in the moments that make up your day, and may your happiness never be measured in comfort or wealth but in service to God and others. When you discover this, you will also be living the best years of your life.
Sincerely, Paul
Ok, there you have it. The Apostle Paul's life summed up on 5 (2000-year-old) delicatessen napkins. I am not sure why the world is not convinced of their authenticity.
Ok, detractors note they were written in English and included cartoons, but I still believe. MAYBE.
Anyways, we do not need these five napkins to prove out the life and times of the Apostle Paul. We have the book of Acts, and all his letters/epistles recorded in the New Testament. The true and beautiful message of Paul's life is a calling from God to know and serve Him. All have this calling in big and small ways. As recorded in 'napkin #5' (maybe), we are called to be faithful in the moments that make up our days. Obedience to this call is where true joy and fulfillment come from.
May God bless each of you and find you obedient to His call on your life, to where you are living the best years of your life.
Jeff (best days ever) Larson
