The Amazing Conversion of Saul to Paul – Part 2
August 17, 2009
Dear Friend,
If you were Saul of Tarsus, a fast-tracked Pharisee, your version of the worst job in the world might sound something like this:
This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name [the name of Jesus] before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. (Acts 9:15-16 NIV)
First, Saul was zealously persecuting people that believed in Jesus. Preaching Jesus was 180 degrees from where he was on the road to Damascus. Second, any good card-carrying Pharisee would hate Gentiles. He couldn’t even enter their homes, much less having meaningful relationships with the uncircumcised. Finally, Jesus says that one of the main job requirements is suffering. Imagine applying for a job which says that the applicant must suffer. The employer is probably not going to be deluged with applicants, are they?
Saul of Tarsus did suffer greatly. We should all be willing to suffer for the sake of our Lord, but, Paul did this in the extreme. In a way, I think this suffering was a comfort to him in that he had persecuted the brethren and felt that going “above and beyond” might in some way make amends for his former life.
Paul states in his letter to his “son” Timothy,
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 1:12-14 NIV)
Not many of us would speak so glowingly about our employers if suffering was part of our job description much less thank them. Paul’s view has a context though of his being “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man.” His redemption, from his perspective, far outweighs any suffering. He is thankful for the honor of his service including the suffering he must endure.
One thing you can say about Paul was that his repentance was genuine. He continues to repent long after he knows that he is forgiven. He changes his life completely. He admits fault without equivocation. Paul does not offer excuses except of an unflattering nature – “I was ignorant and an unbeliever.” Paul is not concerned about answering for this sin to his Lord. In other words, he is not questioning his savior’s ability to forgive. Paul is simply genuinely and overwhelmingly repentant. It is a part of the fabric of his life.
We can all learn from Paul’s example of repentance. He was willing to suffer the consequences for his actions. He proclaimed his blame, not his innocence. How refreshing in this age of the mealy- mouthed, half-hearted, cover-your-tracks, mitigating circumstances age of repentance. How grateful we should be that we still benefit from his self-sacrificial life and example.
Have a great week,
Comments»
What amazes me the most is that a man who did not walk with Jesus did not have any meetings with Jesus, become the greatest apostle for him. How can this be? why him?