Transformed

I’m not a terribly jealous person, but there are times. Since college, and maybe a little before, I’ve been jealous of some of my friends. You see, on mission trips or at church camp or in preaching classes, when a friend would get up and share their testimony, I would sit there and listen and think, “My story’s not that interesting, not nearly that dramatic.”

I start to think, “Gosh, here my friends have these incredible (at times, almost unbelievable) stories of radical conversion—drug addicts, gang members, mafia members who have turned to Jesus.”

(In case you’re wondering, yes, I have a friend who’s family is multi-generation Italian mafia; his grandmother kept all their books and ran all their accounts. I’ve got friends in low places and some of them, including my Italian friend, owe me a favor or two, just FYI).

So many of my friends, including my first youth minister, were seemingly as far away from Christ as one could get. And, in dramatic fashion, the Lord opened their eyes, transformed their hearts, and set them on a new path. Druggies who have become deacons, mafiosos who begin to minister, gangsters transformed into gospel preachers.

And I start to feel a little jealous. “My story’s not that interesting, not nearly that dramatic. It’s maybe even a little boring.”

I feel the same way when I read about the conversion of Saul. A little jealous. I mean, his conversion account is just incredible. Saul, the man who stood approvingly, holding the coats of the men who stoned Stephen to death, and then went out arrest as many Christians as he could, is here transformed by the glory and grace of the Risen Jesus.

It’s incredible. All the while the gospel is spreading (Philip and others who were scattered are preaching), the gospel is spreading and here’s Saul threatening the disciples of Jesus.

Acts 9:1–2 NIV

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 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.

Saul’s life was all about persecuting the Church. Men and women, anyone who belonged to “the Way”.

“The Way” was a designation for the early church, possibly because Jesus said that He was Himself, the way, the truth, and the life. This is the first time in Acts that Christians are described as “The Way”; they have found, in Jesus, the way of salvation, the true way of life in relation to God.

Saul lived to persecute the Church, any who belonged to “The Way”. He believed he was in the right. He believed he was, in fact, righteous. He believed he was pleasing God. Saul was hyper-religious, law-abiding, comparatively more zealous than anyone else. He’d write as much later:

Philippians 3:4–6 NIV

4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

There are many folk just like Saul, trusting in their goodness and their religiosity, believing their self-righteousness will please and make them right with God.

Maybe that’s you. Maybe you think your deeds, your works, your religious activities contribute to your right standing with God. Just like Saul, you’d be wrong. Saul was about to realize he was headed down the wrong path.

But the Risen Lord Jesus is going to break in and transform his life.

Saul is spreading persecution as the Church spreads the gospel. He’s expanding his search—from Jerusalem all the way to Damascus (135 miles northeast of Jerusalem, a weeklong journey by foot). Saul’s hatred for Christians is that intense; he will not stop until he rids the world of every vestige of Christianity.

On Saul’s way to arrest Christians in Damascus, the Risen Lord Jesus arrests Saul:

Acts 9:3–4 NIV

3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

The blinding glory of God—the same glory that shone around the shepherds that first Christmas—shines now around Saul, announcing Jesus just as he was announced that starry, holy night more than three decades prior.

The Risen Lord Jesus announces Himself with a voice heard by Saul and those traveling with him.

Acts 9:5–6 NIV

5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:7 NIV

7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.

Like many individuals in the OT, Saul is called by name; called-out by the One whose followers he was working against. And Saul learns an important lesson:

To persecute the Church is to persecute Jesus. The Lord identifies with His bride; theirs is an amazing union. You mess with my wife, you mess with me. Take those feelings to nth degree, multiply it all by infinity and you’ll still be miles away from understanding the depth of God’s love for His people.

Saul’s worldview—the lens through which he saw everything—has been shattered. Saul’s been humbled by the Master of those he hunted. Saul the Terrorist is the soon-to-be evangelist; the self-righteous persecutor is about to become a Christ-exalting preacher.

Saul has been transformed in a moment, in a flash, by the Resurrected Jesus. The intensity of his encounter with Christ left Saul blind for three days—an opportunity for reflection.

Acts 9:8–9 NIV

8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

The Lord stopped Saul in his tracks and continued to lead him on to Damascus where Saul would encounter a disciple of Jesus’ named Ananias.

Acts 9:10–19 NIV

10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “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.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Ananias (not the same Ananias from Acts 5; that Ananias dropped dead, remember?). This Ananias is instructed by the Lord to go to Saul and assist him.

Initially, Ananias hesitates. “Uh, now hold on…you want me to go hang out with who now, and what?”

Ananias hesitates because of who he knew Saul to be. But then the Lord describes Saul’s entirely new identity and purpose. Saul’s no longer who he was; he’s been transformed.

Saul’s no longer the terrorist of the church; Jesus tells Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument—that’s his new identity. Saul’s purpose is now, not arresting Christians, but proclaiming the name of Jesus.

So, after initial hesitation, Ananias goes, lays hands on Saul and addresses him: “Brother Saul...”

Saul had to be comforted by this. Can you imagine? His past had to be weighing on his mind; his past was not that far behind him. But with this one comment from one of the Christians in Damascus, Saul’s new identity has been confirmed. Along with that, Saul realizes in Christ, he has a new family—brothers and sisters who were once his prey.

Exalting Jesus in Acts From Terrorist to Evangelist 9:1-31

Ananias then reported why he came: Saul was to regain his sight and be filled with the Spirit. And just like that, boom! Everything changed. Saul can suddenly see again and gets baptized (vv. 18-19). Imagine it! Saul of Tarsus, who once despised Christ and his church, is now being buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. From this point forward, he is identified with Christ and with Christ’s people. The adversary thus becomes the apostle. He is no longer corrupt but cleansed, no longer a church foe but part of the family. What grace!

What transformation!

Later as he’s writing letters to Timothy, the man formerly known as Saul would comment that his conversion is an example of the saving grace and mercy of Jesus:

1 Timothy 1:15–16 NIV

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Saul’s conversion is an incredible example of transformation. There’s much to learn from this one example:

Salvation is by God’s Amazing Grace Alone

The Risen Lord Jesus shows grace to this man who is worthy only of wrath, judgment, and death.

Jesus shows Him grace. Jesus stops Saul in his tracks, and places him on a new path. Saul is saved, and no one can say he deserved it even a little.

Here is the good news, let me tell you: God pursues sinners.

You may think you’re not all that bad, certainly not a murderer, drug addict, gang member. “I don’t have it all together, but, come on, I’m not as bad as that guy.”

Well, let me tell you…apart from Jesus, you are in the very same boat. You are on the same footing. The ground is level. And, thank the Lord, God shows us grace while we were still sinners; deserving of death, the Risen Lord Jesus showers us with grace.

Ephesians 2:1–10 NIV

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

It’s grace. It’s all grace. From a worldly point of view, where we place people into categories and hierarchies, some of you appear like you’re doing okay on your own. But all of us were far off, and Jesus drew us nearer. Amazing, undeserved grace.

All Conversions Involve a Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus

This happens dramatically for some, and quietly for others.

We see both in the book of Acts. In fact, we see both in one chapter. There’s the jailer who’s guarding Paul and Silas. There’s an earthquake that gets his attention and he asks, “What must I do to be saved?” “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

And then, same chapter, there’s a woman named Lydia. No earthquake, no earth-shattering event of any kind. Lydia simply, quietly, heard the gospel and repented. “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.”

Both had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, albeit a little different.

My best friend, nearly lost his life due to drug overdose, ended up in the hospital, and an area pastor dropped by to share Jesus with him as he was detoxing. And that encounter with Jesus changed Derek’s like.

My own story was much less dramatic, much quieter, you could say. But no less life-changing. I was raised in the church, brought-up by godly parents, instructed in the faith and loved by them and by wonderful, godly pastors, Sunday school teachers, and church members.

And, one day in September, when I was 8 years old, I knew Jesus had called me to Himself, had given me faith to believe, so I walked the aisle to the front of the sanctuary, repented of my sin, and confessed with my mouth (speech-impediment an all) that Jesus was Lord of my life.

It was a life-changing encounter with Jesus, very different and yet exactly the same as Derek.

The details of your story might be closer to Derek’s or to mine, or somewhere in between. And yet, your story is ultimately the same if you are a Christian. You have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

True Conversion is Surrender to Jesus

Saul has no choice but to surrender. He’s knocked off his feet, brought to his knees, blinded right there on the Damascus road. He’s humbled by the Risen Lord Jesus. He’s confronted by his error and his sin. And, in an unmissable moment, Saul is confronted with the Risen Savior.

Saul realizes he is not in charge. He’s not arresting anyone; he himself has been arrested by the grace and mercy and power of the Son of God. He does what Jesus tells him to do—"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do”—Saul’s friends led him by the hand into Damascus.

Those who have experienced true conversion will surrender their lives to Jesus, doing whatever He has called them to do.

There’s the initial surrender— “Lord, I give you my life, my heart, my all.” —and there’s the daily surrender and re-surrender and re-re-surrender to His will and His plan and purpose for our lives.

True conversion is surrender to Jesus, joyful and free.

Blindness to Sight, Darkness to Light, is every Christian’s Story

Saul’s story is unique as far as I know. No one else has been on their way to Damascus, carte blanche authorization in hand to arrest any and all members of “The Way”, when the Risen Savior appears in glorious splendor, blinding them for three days.

Ours is not a physical blindness like Saul’s; ours is spiritual.

2 Corinthians 4:4–6 NIV

4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Apart from Jesus, we have been blinded. Our eyes, our minds, our hearts—blinded to the glory of Christ, until God makes His light shine in our hearts, opening our eyes.

You ever wonder why your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors don’t just accept the gospel at the first hearing of it? “It’s really good news. I mean, come on!”

The reason is that they’ve been blinded. They’re walking in darkness. We need to pray that the Lord would illumine their hearts and minds, opening their eyes to see the glory of Jesus.

Sincerity Doesn’t Save

This is a terribly important reminder in this day and age when the typical encouragement, even in religious circles, is: “Follow your heart.” “You do you, man.” “Find your own path.” “Chart your own course; follow your inner compass.” “What’s right for you isn’t necessarily right for me.”

The general belief, in this and every age, is that sincerity will save.

50 years ago church attendance was much, much higher, not necessarily because everyone had a relationship with Christ, but because going to church was culturally acceptable. It was the thing to do. Go to church, get your perfect attendance pin, and you’re golden.

Truth is, there have been and there are a lot of sincerely religious people who don’t know Jesus.

Saul truly believed that he was on the right path. The Mormon, the Muslim, the Jehovah’s Witness, the Jew are, they believe, on the right path. But they aren’t. Not even close! They are sincere in their belief and practice, but their sincerity will not save them.

Good deeds, rule-keeping, religious observance, sincerity…it all amounts to nothing in the end.

Zeal without Christ = death.

Saul was the most zealous person imaginable. But for all his zeal, he lacked knowledge of and a relationship with the One who could save.

Sincerity doesn’t save. Only Jesus saves.

God Can Save the Worst of Sinners

God doesn’t look for the best and the brightest. He doesn’t only work with those who have their act together. He doesn’t have a cut-off where he only accepts those with a certain GPA or certain standardized test scores. And praise God that’s not how He operates!

There is no limit to His grace. The Almighty draws to Himself those who are far off. He takes the one who is heading off to arrest and murder and makes him His chosen instrument to proclaim [His] name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.

He saved a wretch like me. He brought you, Christian, out of the muck and mire. He transferred you from darkness to light, from death to life. He alone did it!

Psalm 40:2 NIV

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

The worst of sinners, saved by the gracious, forgiving, reconciling God.

>Saul was transformed. He was that, and now he’s something else altogether. The Risen Lord Jesus can and will transform the worst. If He has transformed your life, say “Amen!”

If He has transformed your life, you know there’s hope for every kind of person, no matter who they are or what they have done.

The great truth of the gospel is that it is good news for every kind of person. It’s good news for you and for me.

He can transform the hardest heart, the darkest past, the ugliest story. He can transform your life.

His power, and His alone, “can change the leper’s spots and melt the heart of stone. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”

Let’s pray: Father, full of grace amazing and mercy free, draw those far off close to yourself. Open the eyes of the blind, take the heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. Make clear to those who are lost the way of life through Jesus your Son. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”