Transformed!

Acts 9:3-6

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord" And He said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do.

 

What a transformation! Paul had been breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. Before his journey to Damascus, he had even asked the high priest to give him letters that would allow him to bring Christians bound back to Jerusalem. Certainly, he was all-in against Jesus and believers of The Way. But on his way, he met Jesus, the One he had persecuted with such intensity. As a light flashed, he heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Responding, he asked who was this voice. Much to his surprise he heard,  I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do. All his fellow travelers were astounded. They had heard a voice but had seen no one. As Saul stood up, he found himself blind.

 

At this time, Ananias heard the Lord as well telling him to go to a street called Strait to look for Saul  at the house of Judas. He would find Saul praying and waiting for him. Ananias was to lay hands on him and restore his vision. Ananias and Saul had had corresponding visions. But Ananias was afraid! He knew the reputation of Saul, but the Lord said, Go, for he is an instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. Ananais obeyed. Saul's sight was restored. When he arose, he was baptized and spent several days with the disciples. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogue.Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

 

What a transformation Jesus makes in a life! Saul had gone from #1 persecutor of The Way to fervent proclaimer of the Way. His life was radically changed in purpose, passion, position, and priorities. He was not the same person!! Before many days, the Jew were plotting to kill him. A complete reversal had transpired! I imagine the Jews in Jerusalem were undone wondering how could this have happened to Saul. How could anyone go from persecutor to persecuted? But still they wouldn't consider The Way. They continued on as they had done before, persecuting anything foreign to their plan and power. 

 

Father,

Grow me into such fervor and passion. Teach me how to be bold in sharing Jesus. Take away my fear of man.

In Jesus name,

Amen