From Terrorist to Apostle: The Amazing Conversion of Saul to Paul – Part 3
August 24, 2009
Dear Friends,
Jesus was an example to us of the ideal in virtually every aspect of his life. He was not, however, a model for us in repentance. How could he be? Jesus had nothing for which he needed to repent.
Enter Saul of Tarsus.
It seems to me that while Jesus acts the model of perfection for us, Paul acts as the model of repentance. Repentance means to turn around. It is a lot more than feeling sorry about what you have done, it is changing your life. Consider how much Paul changed. He went from a murderer willing to kill to stop the preaching of Jesus to a man willing to sacrifice his own life for the preaching of Jesus. He went from a prideful man trying to establish his own righteousness by law-keeping to a humble man who was completely dependent upon grace. He went from extreme hate to extreme love. He changed from self- promotion to promotion of others.
People often speculate why Saul of Tarsus was singled out for a visit from Jesus. It is often conjectured that his zeal, though misguided, was his drawing card. This might be a factor. However, Paul tells us why he was chosen.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (Titus 1:15-16 NIV)
Saul was chosen because he was the worst of sinners and therein demonstrated the patience of Jesus.
Why on earth would you, if you were Jesus, pursue the worst of sinners? Why not pursue someone “semi- sinful” and not someone who needed a complete overhaul? As we were suggesting above, we need an example. The lesson is that if Jesus can take the “worst of sinners” and turn him into the Apostle Paul, maybe he can even work with me! Maybe, just maybe, I can turn my life around too. No one is beyond redemption if they will only believe and repent.
We have admittedly used a charged term for Saul of Tarsus in referring to him in the title as a “terrorist.” I doubt that there are too many who receive the Thought for the Week who are engaged in terrorism. However, the odds are that there are more than a few of us that need to repent or turn our lives around. There may be some who are neck deep in legalism desperately trying, as was Saul, to declare his own righteousness. There may be some who are addled with addictions or sexual sins. There may be some among us whose love has grown cold. There may be some among us who only feign interest in the things of God but whose true passions are with the world. Whatever the case may be, as long as breath abides in us there is always hope.
As Paul himself concluded his first letter to Timothy, so we close this thought to you.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:11-12 NIV)
Have a great week,
