Radical Transformation

Sept. 08, 2014 Monday Message:

 “The witnesses of Stephen’s execution flung their clothes at the feet of a young man by the name of Saul.” Acts 7:58 JBP

If you had been present at Stephen’s demise – the accusations, the mock-trial, the mob taking things into their own hands – you might have noticed someone on the sidelines, egging them on: Saul of Tarsus.

Saul was a well-educated Jew, determined to preserve the status quo. He refused to examine the writings of his Hebrew ancestors to see the hundreds of ways that Jesus fulfilled prophesy.

At the stoning of Stephen, Saul was part of the throng. “You need to throw the stones harder! You can’t get enough power with that jacket restricting your movement. Here, let me hold your coats!” Ultimately Stephen was stoned to death.

We all know the rest of the story. On the road to Damascus, Saul was struck blind, and Jesus appeared to him saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul was then led into town, his sight was restored, and he immediately was baptized and became the point person taking the Good News to the Gentiles. Today we know him as Saint Paul.

My point is that God can radically transform anyone, even someone complicit in a murder scheme. Paul’s mission had been to exterminate the followers of Jesus, and he was good at it. But God turned his life upside-down, and put Paul to work making disciples of all nations.

There is no sin so great that it cannot be forgiven by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets at 10:00am every Sunday in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This week, Sept. 14, Pastor Michael Pilla examines the conversion of Saul.