Sunset, Sisters, OR
Lamentations 3: 57-58 NKJV
You drew near on the day I called on You,
And said, “Do not fear!”
O Lord, You have pleaded the case for my soul;
You have redeemed my life.
There once was man. He grew up very comfortably with all the benefits that his modestly wealthy family could afford him. He was so loved that his parents had named him after a king. He was very well educated and esteemed in his circle of friends. He became a lawyer and was even eyeing the potential of vying for a position on the Supreme Court. Naturally, being surrounded by strict adherence to laws, he felt extremely passionate about preventing radicals from spreading new ideas that conflicted with these learned rules and regulations. So much so that he led a task force to eradicate these subversives including entering homes and dragging off, imprisoning, and sometimes executing anyone found supporting the radicals. He had become brutal, evil, unyielding, and had the full support of his leaders. Then, in a literal flash, his life completely changed.
Saul of Tarsus was traveling when he was blinded by the light of Jesus Christ. Acts 9: 4-9 tells the story. “Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul said.
“I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.”
Jesus speaks to a man, Ananias, and asks him to go to Saul and lay hands on him and pray so that Saul’s sight could be restored. Brave Ananias does question what he is asked to do, because he knows that Saul has the power to destroy his life. Yet ultimately, he does what has been asked. Saul’s sight is restored, he eats, and he starts preaching that Jesus is the Messiah. People are so confused. The Pharisees lost their preeminent zealot and are now plotting to kill him! And on the other hand, Acts 9:26 relates, “When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.” Yet, his actions spoke for him and Acts 9:27 continues, “Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.” Later, he began using his Roman name, Paul, which means little, as in the root word for pauper. This man in three days went from a kingly advantage to a self-proclaimed servant of the Lord, and became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament.
Radical transformation IS possible not just for Saul to Paul, but for anyone. Do you remember, Saul on the road called out, Lord! Call on the Lord and He can and will redeem your life. If this murderous, evil man can be transformed in just three days into one of the most influential supporters of Jesus, just think what could He do with you!
