Saul, Transformed!

In the beginning…

He was very zealous….

to eradicate Christians…

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.  Acts 8:3 

Saul was vehemently opposed to them…

and diligently sought to destroy them…

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  Acts 9:1-2 

Until…

He was intercepted…

By a supernatural encounter…

with Jesus Christ!

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  Acts 9:3-5

Bewilderment. Trepidation. Fear.

 Astonishment. Conviction. Obedience.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.  Acts 9:6

Saul was blinded…

                                and  his companions were speechless…

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.  Acts 9:7-9

Meanwhile…

God was speaking to His servant…

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.  Acts 9:10-12 

Preparing his heart to assist Saul…

a well known “enemy of the Saints”…

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.  Acts 9:13-16 

Help was on the way…

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.  Acts  9:17 -19

Saul was a new man…

as evidenced by his drastic change in heart…

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.  Acts 9:20 

People were stunned  and amazed…

and God was with him…

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.  Acts 9:22  

Convincing. Persuasive. Impressive.

Saul preached so effectively….

that the Jews sought to kill him…

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.  Acts 9:23-24 

The hunter became the hunted…

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Acts 9:25 

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.  Acts 9:29 

Nevertheless…

Emboldened with the TRUTH…

He pressed onward…

Towards the high calling of Christ Jesus!

A supernatural encounter with the Living God…

Ignited one darkened heart …

 
And set it ablaze…

As a bold witness of His transforming power!

 

Have you been transformed by His hand?