So I decided after hearing and reading a bunch about the "Kanye Transformation," that it is so important to see how vital transformations like that are and how awesome the Saul transformation is as an example for us. One thing before we go into the Word is that I personally think the Kanye transformation is incredible. If you didn't know, he was one who had called himself god and was completely the opposite of what Christianity is. All of a sudden, God's word resonated in him to change his ways and make Jesus his King. How inspiring. Someone as "famous" as him can publicly humble himself to say Jesus is King of all. I love it!
So let's simply start the journey of Paul (Saul). Early after Jesus' crucifixion, Saul became one of the greatest persecutors of Christianity in the world. Something to note about Saul, though, was that he was actually a brilliant politician and businessman, and a scholar in so many subjects, so he was well-respected by authorities. (This is important to remember later.) Anyway, here in Acts 8, you can see some of the destruction he caused:
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2(Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. -Acts 8:1-3
Paul as a persecutor was living as a jealous man towards the community that loved Jesus. He destroyed so many lives that worshipped Christ before he became one of the most pivotal disciples for the rest of the Kingdom of God for centuries to come. When reading these few chapters about Saul, he's definitely a scary man to picture when reading it as a Christian, however we all have our own "Saul" moments when we go against Scripture and Christ. God's word is linked with him, so when we sin against what He says, we are sinning against him. It's intimidating to think about, but it is also extremely vital to remember. Regardless of where you started in your journey with Christ, and whatever your testimony is, you began as a "Saul;" unknown to the love and wonders of God, AND THAT'S OK because guess what? Even if you haven't totally given yourself up for Christ, this is just the beginning of a great example of how God's love is truly open for everyone and transformation CAN happen. Spoiler alert! Saul became an example Christian and taught many things that are still evident to this day. Our sin can be great, but God is greater.
Stay tuned for that brilliant transformation next in our journey with our pal Paul/Saul, and experience how even though we have our Saul moments, we are able to have that transformation too. We are able to run to Christ and be forgiven.
