Unlikely FighterSample

The Religious Terrorist

In the days and months after Jesus’s resurrection and ascension to Heaven, anyone who believed in Jesus was likely afraid of Saul. He was a well-educated and passionate member of the Pharisees, the most prominent group of Jewish religious experts at that time and the main force behind Jesus’s crucifixion.

Saul adamantly opposed Christianity. He served as an accomplice in the killing of at least one Christian (Stephen), whom the Pharisees had falsely accused of blasphemy. Saul was then on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus to round up and imprison more Christians, when, at about noon, a blinding light flashed, and Saul encountered the resurrected Jesus. His life was never the same.

To paraphrase how Saul—whose name got changed to Paul—put it in Acts 26:16-20, Jesus told him to:

1. Stand up! When Paul met Jesus, the interaction literally stopped him in his tracks, and he fell to the ground. But Jesus tells him to get up—that there’s no time to waste!
2. Speak up! Jesus appointed Paul to immediately devote his life to telling others what he already knew of Jesus (based on this encounter) and the many, many more things Jesus would reveal about Himself.
3. Wake up! Many dangers and difficulties awaited Paul, and Jesus didn’t sugarcoat what he would face. (Check out Acts 9:15-16.) But He did promise Paul that He would be with him through it all.
4. Rise up! Jesus gave Paul an exciting vision of what He was calling him to—that God would use him to bring many people from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God!

But get this: If you’ve trusted Jesus for your salvation, He’s given you the same mission He gave Paul. Regardless of your background, your past sins, your skills and smarts or lack thereof, Jesus has appointed you to be a witness—to tell others what you’ve seen of Jesus and what He’ll continue to show you as you seek and serve Him. And He’ll be with you every step of the way.

Reflect:

Have you encountered Jesus? If not, ask Him to reveal Himself to you today.

Is anything holding you back from telling others about Jesus? If so, ask God to help you break down those barriers and move forward with courage into the mission He’s called you to.