Complete Makeover

His weary feet bring him to yet another town. His sojourn has been long, but he is determined to hold onto his purpose.

In each community he successfully weeds out the menacing followers of Christ, known as the Way. After all, he is doing God’s work, he thinks, maintaining the beliefs of the Israelites and getting rid of heretics. He is certain that his calling from God is to get rid of any semblance of Christianity.

The book of Acts describes Saul’s actions:

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2 NIV)

Saul is as a daunting figure. His fiery determination fuels his endeavours, creating fear among the believers of Christ. His single-minded purpose is to arrest all who call on Jesus as Lord.

But God has other ideas for Saul. God takes this strong-minded man and turns him absolutely around. He brings Saul to his knees and reveals Himself in a remarkable and unmistakable way.

Jesus speaks directly to Saul on the road to Damascus. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? (Acts 9:4 NIV)

Saul is mystified and asks “Who are you, Lord” (verse 5)

What follows must have blown his mind. Jesus identifies Himself as the One whom Saul has been persecuting. He then gives Saul directions to go to the city for further instructions.

Saul saw Jesus that day. It was no vision. As Ananias later ministers to Saul he shares, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (verse 17)

Saul, later renamed Paul, is filled with the Holy Spirit and his life is changed forever. The book of Acts recounts how Paul immediately began to preach Jesus as Lord and Saviour. All his energy and perseverance is now directed at spreading the Gospel. He goes on to preach about Jesus throughout the Mediterranean area, touching many lives with the hope only found in Christ Jesus. He has a complete makeover – turning his incredible zeal from harm to good.

Paul describes his life change to Timothy, a young pastor:

“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 Timothy 1:12-14 NIV)

Paul is a supreme example of what God can do to turn a person’s life around. Paul is on fire for the Lord with a zeal and determination fueled by Almighty God. The talents he once used to persecute believers are now used for God’s glory.

If God can make such a great transformation in Paul’s life, He can certainly do that in ours as well.

Yet, we often we feel we are beyond our Heavenly Father’s reach. We get our moments when we think that whatever is wrong with our lives cannot possibly be changed.

Find hope in the example of what Jesus did in Paul’s life. God is faithful. He sent His Son to take the punishment for our sins so that we might have eternal life with Him. With the Holy Spirit working in our lives, we can do things we never thought possible.

Our world likes to highlight complete makeovers, all the way from hair and makeup, to house transformations. Well in Christ our makeover is internal. Think of the words Paul uses often: grace, mercy, peace, joy, love, faith, and hope. God will work in us and through us if we are willing.

Our goal should not be a worldly transformation, but changes only Christ can bring.

When you have doubts that you can be changed, remember Paul. If he could be changed to a mighty minister for God then a life transformed is possible for us as well.

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