Transformation

Acts 9:19-22 Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 

Such a transformation. From the greatest persecutor of my followers to my most vocal supporter. Saul’s transformation into Paul is not to be ignored. Had you lived in those days as a member of The Way – had you been one of my followers – you would have been terrified at the thought of Saul being in your community, coming for you, sending you to prison or having you stoned to death. Saul was a death sentence to believers. Until I changed his heart. Until he surrendered his will and his life to me. Until he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, all was new. Saul was gone and Paul was born. You see this every day around you. Addicts and alcoholics delivered and given new life. Former satanists and wiccans broken out of their spells and demonic possessions and delivered into Truth and Life. Former atheists now believers. These are transformations that only I can do. Supernaturally. Spiritual rebirths. Do not discount these once lost souls. Remember, you were one of them. Your life before me and your life now are two distinct trajectories. Remember what it was like to live without a relationship with me? Without the Holy Spirit? Never forget.  And when confronted with unbelievers, with those who walk in darkness, pray for them. Have compassion on them. Remember they are lost. Alone. Afraid. Powerless. And remember also those who have been delivered. They have a powerful message. Listen to them. Come alongside them. Help train them in my Word and my Way. You are all my children. Seek to help deliver the lost and support those already found. You all need me and you all need each other.