Fill The Gap – Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts
Fill The Gap – Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts
“Filling the Gap” – A Reflection on Acts 9:11-16 and 1 Peter 2:4-5
Today, I want to share a message that God has placed deeply in my spirit, titled “Filling the Gap.” Our main text comes from Acts 9:11-16, with a complementary passage from 1 Peter 2:4-5 that will help illuminate this message further.
Before we dive in, let me provide some context. I believe it’s essential to lay a foundation, especially for those who may not be Bible scholars or lifelong churchgoers. Understanding the background allows us to grasp the depth of God’s Word more fully.
The Context: The Early Church and the Great Commission
At this point in the Book of Acts, Jesus has been crucified, resurrected, and walked the earth for 40 days before ascending to heaven. His disciples are now carrying out what we know as the Great Commission — to go into Judea, Samaria, and all the world, proclaiming the gospel and being witnesses of Christ.
Their ministry is powerful and effective, but it’s also disrupting the religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees — a conservative sect of Judaism. The Pharisees are troubled because these followers of “The Way” (as Christians were first known) are transforming how people understand and relate to God.
In their eyes, this new movement is a threat. One man, Saul of Tarsus, takes it upon himself to persecute these followers to prevent the spread of the gospel.
Saul’s Encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus
Saul, a relentless persecutor of Christians, sets out on a journey to Damascus to continue his mission. However, along the way, he has a life-changing encounter with Jesus.
A blinding light surrounds him, and he hears the voice of Jesus asking, “Saul, why are you persecuting me?” After this encounter, Saul is left blind and is led to a house in Damascus, where he spends time praying and seeking direction.
Meanwhile, God speaks to a disciple named Ananias and gives him a surprising instruction:
Saul has been praying and, in a vision, has seen Ananias coming to lay hands on him to restore his sight.
But Ananias is hesitant. He responds, essentially saying:
God’s response is profound:
In that moment, God makes it clear that Saul’s past no longer defines him. He is now a chosen vessel, called to carry the gospel to the nations.
A Message of Transformation and Calling
What stands out to me is this: What people knew about Saul was no longer who he was.
God was doing a new thing in him. And the same is true for us today. What people have said about you — your past mistakes, your failures — does not define who you are in Christ.
When God calls you, He does so based on His purpose for your life, not your past. Like Saul, you are a chosen vessel, called to bear witness to God’s goodness and grace.
The Living Stones: 1 Peter 2:4-5
To further drive this point home, let’s turn to 1 Peter 2:4-5, which says:
Here’s what I want you to take away:
- Being rejected by people does not disqualify you from being chosen by God.
- You are a living stone, part of a spiritual house that God is building.
Like Saul, we may face rejection. But God sees us as precious. He is using us to build a holy priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to Him.
A Prayer for Spiritual Clarity and Boldness
As we reflect on these passages, let’s take a moment to invite the Spirit of the Living God to speak to us.
Spirit of the Living God, I need You.
I need You the way Saul needed You on the road to Damascus.
I need You the way Mary needed You when she heard she would conceive by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, I have an idea of what You want me to share, but only Your Spirit knows for certain. So, I ask that You would take control.
Open hearts today, Lord.
Let Your Word reach those who need it most.
If there’s anything not meant for them, let it pass by. But if there’s a Word You are speaking to them, let it land in their spirit with clarity and conviction.
Lord, let this message spread across the world — from Judea to Samaria, to the ends of the earth — until all have heard of Your saving grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Reflection: Trust God’s Word Over What You’ve Heard
Just as Ananias had to trust God’s Word over what he had heard about Saul, we too must trust God’s plan for our lives, even when it doesn’t make sense.
God is calling us to fill the gap — to step into situations that may seem uncomfortable or risky, trusting that He is doing a new thing in us and through us.
So, go forward boldly, knowing that you are a chosen vessel, called by God for a purpose that only you can fulfill.
Let’s walk by faith, trusting God’s Word over what we’ve heard.
Share this message, and let’s spread the gospel far and wide.
May God bless you and strengthen you as you step out in faith.
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