Another Bible drama hits my list of favorite stories. This
time it is not the plot or the people that capture my attention but the power
of God. My prayer list contains many ‘hopeless cases’ and this story gives me
hope. It also reminds me of my own story.
Stephen, an early disciple, preached a long message that
enraged those who had arrested him. They considered the ‘good news’ that he
shared was error and put him to death . . .
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. (Acts 7:59–8:3)
Saul was zealous for
the God of Israel and not at all open to the way of salvation proclaimed by the
disciples of Jesus Christ. Everything they were doing enraged him. He seemed a
hopeless case. However, he is a strong reminder that nothing is too hard for
God!
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone 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 you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:1–9)
Saul soon received a
new name, Paul. He became the strongest advocate and preacher of the gospel in
the New Testament church. His story is in Acts, his writings fill most of the
NT.
How am I like him? I
didn’t rage against religion or hate Christians. I just did my own thing,
thinking God was a ‘nice guy’ who didn’t care what I did. However, I was
searching for answers to questions like, “What happens to me after I die?” I’d
read the Bible almost every day for several years without finding the answer.
The words were just a jumble in my mind.
One day, while
reading a book on reincarnation, a light came into my living room. I knew
instantly that this was Jesus, that He is God in human flesh, and that He was
here to save me from my sin. I was alone, not blinded but filled with new life
and great peace. The Bible began making sense and I had my answers.
^^^^^^^^^^^
Jesus, You are the
God who can save anyone. When I am praying and interceding for others,
especially for those who are considered hopeless, You give me hope. You saved
Saul when he was running the other way and persecuting believers. You saved me
when I was running the other way and considering a false idea of the
after-life. You came as light to both of us because both were in the dark and
clueless about Your great saving power. My name did not change, but You changed
my life. I’m not even close to being like Saul/Paul, but You put us both in
Your family, Your kingdom. What a joy! Thank You. I praise Your powerful Name
and Your ability to transform anyone’s life!
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