Pauline Reflections 09 - 18th October 2008

SAUL’S CONVERSION: A RAY OF HOPE FOR THE SINNER
ACTS 9:1-9  

Saul’s conversion is truly an outcome of God’s amazing grace. He, who was once a persecutor of the Church, once an enemy of the Christian faith, he who could even be termed a rampaging wild beast in his hateful opposition to Christians, now had this unique compelling and irresistible encounter with God’s grace that transformed his life. 

God’s timing is always the best in bringing about a positive and drastic change in our life journey. Because he is God, he is never tired of us, he is ever willing to bring about a conversion - a metanoia that is likened to a U–turn - a change of heart. 

If God can turn the fiercest enemy of the Christian faith into his most zealous servant, he can truly save anyone - even the worst criminal. In God’s own time, he intervened in Saul’s life through his sovereign grace and 'arrested' him bringing about a U-turn. 

On that fateful day, Paul, then Saul, was on his way to Damascus with his companions on a threatening mission to persecute the Christians there.  On his journey, he experienced the divine presence - a supernatural phenomenon so overwhelming that he fell to the ground. The divine presence asked him:  “Saul, Saul why are you me?” (9:4). Jesus so identifies himself with his disciples, that to persecute his disciples is to persecute him. In total confusion, not being able to figure this out, Saul asked: “Who are you Sir”? ('Lord' or 'Master') - a title of courtesy (9:5). Then he receives an affirmative revelation of the identity of the divine presence in the form of a voice: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (9: 5). 

Others witnessed Saul’s conversion experience: “The men who were travelling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one” (9:7). It was a profound personal experience. The physical effects of the conversion could be termed unpleasant and uncomfortable. “For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank” (9:9)
All this prepared the ground for the spiritual transformation which would last a lifetime. He received a new life, and the new sight of grace: zeal for Jesus and for his good news. 

Every conversion experience is unique. Saul’s was dynamic and radical: it was a personal encounter with Jesus via a witness to the gospel. His response was to surrender to Jesus in repentance and faith.

 
Prayer 

Thank you Lord for being so merciful to me, grant me your amazing grace of continuing conversion to improve my life.  No matter what my past has been, let me be hopeful for a better tomorrow with your help and power. Amen