"You'll never guess what happened to me while I was out of town!" Such could have been the statement of a man who had an extraordinary experience. Blinded by an incredible noontime light ... too stunned to eat or drink for three days ... sight miraculously restored through the touch of a man ... truly, it was the experience of a lifetime.
Acts nine records the dramatic conversion of a man named Saul, who was radically opposed to Jesus and His followers. Bent on their persecution, he was literally stopped in his tracks one day. This man, fully convinced that his was a mission for and from God, found himself running counter to God's very own Son - "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9.5) He would go on to become one of His most faithful servants - instrumental in the establishment of numerous churches, and human author of approximately two-thirds of the Bible's New Testament. All this from a man seriously misguided at the start.
I've known numerous people over the years who have been envious of Paul's dramatic conversion (I include myself in that group). Sure, if we had a similar conversion, we'd go out and turn the world upside down with our faith too. Or would we?
Most of us can more accurately relate to another man whose conversion was less dramatic - "I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." (2 Timothy 1.5) Less dramatic than Paul's conversion, Timothy basically "grew up" in the faith, as many of us have.
Honestly, I don't think it's as much about our past conversion experience as it is about our present spiritual vitality. A 'Paul' convert can easily "rest on his/her laurels" and be unproductive in their faith. A 'Timothy' convert can make steady, faithful, and fruitful progress. So, where we've been isn't nearly as important as where we are.
Where do things stand between you and the Lord Jesus today? Have you been like Paul - working in opposition to Him? Or, have you had a life-changing encounter that has set you on the road to faithful living and service? Are you passively resting on your past conversion, or actively living out truth and faith today?
As someone has said, "the journey IS the destination". May we be faithful travelers today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Acts nine records the dramatic conversion of a man named Saul, who was radically opposed to Jesus and His followers. Bent on their persecution, he was literally stopped in his tracks one day. This man, fully convinced that his was a mission for and from God, found himself running counter to God's very own Son - "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9.5) He would go on to become one of His most faithful servants - instrumental in the establishment of numerous churches, and human author of approximately two-thirds of the Bible's New Testament. All this from a man seriously misguided at the start.
I've known numerous people over the years who have been envious of Paul's dramatic conversion (I include myself in that group). Sure, if we had a similar conversion, we'd go out and turn the world upside down with our faith too. Or would we?
Most of us can more accurately relate to another man whose conversion was less dramatic - "I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well." (2 Timothy 1.5) Less dramatic than Paul's conversion, Timothy basically "grew up" in the faith, as many of us have.
Honestly, I don't think it's as much about our past conversion experience as it is about our present spiritual vitality. A 'Paul' convert can easily "rest on his/her laurels" and be unproductive in their faith. A 'Timothy' convert can make steady, faithful, and fruitful progress. So, where we've been isn't nearly as important as where we are.
Where do things stand between you and the Lord Jesus today? Have you been like Paul - working in opposition to Him? Or, have you had a life-changing encounter that has set you on the road to faithful living and service? Are you passively resting on your past conversion, or actively living out truth and faith today?
As someone has said, "the journey IS the destination". May we be faithful travelers today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 8:38 AM
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