Redeeming Love

Read: Galatians 1:11-24

The apostle Paul has one of the most overwhelmingly convincing stories of God’s radical redeeming love. If you have ever struggled with doubt about Jesus, His life and resurrection, there is perhaps no story more compelling than Paul’s. If you are not familiar with his life, you might be surprised to know that before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he lived a life much different than the disciples of his time. Born a Jew named Saul, he did not accept that Jesus was the son of God. In fact, he made it his mission to persecute and kill anyone who called themselves a follower of Jesus. He was one of the greatest Jewish zealots of his time.

However, his entire life was changed in a moment when he encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus asked him “why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul is blinded after the encounter and is taken to Damascus where he is healed by another believer named Ananias. The bible says that Saul immediately began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues saying that “He is indeed the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20).

This is a story of radical transformation. In a matter of a few days Saul’s life was completely transformed. It is difficult to doubt such a transformation. Why would a zealot like Saul who was dedicated to persecuting Christians, one day decide that Jesus is Lord? The bible provides the only explanation, which was his encounter with Jesus. An experience so undeniable that he would shift his entire life towards preaching the Gospel. Not only did Saul convert to Christianity and accept Jesus as Lord, but he became one of the most dedicated disciples of his time. He is responsible for writing 13 books in the New Testament. He spent the rest of his life dedicated to God’s mission of spreading the Gospel. He even died as a martyr for his faith. His transformation was undeniable given that even in the face of persecution he never wavered in his faith.

Paul’s story is a faith booster for all Christians alike. It is also a great example of Jesus’ redeeming love. He goes after the one, even someone like Paul who was dedicated to ending the Christian movement. God’s ways are higher than ours. He knew the powerful impact a conversion story like Paul would have. What better testimony than a man set against the church, to have a radical encounter with Jesus that transformed his life, who God would then use to build the church? It is a reminder that God can transform anyone and use anyone for the good of His Kingdom. No matter what your past may be, God still chases after you and your life can also be transformed and used as a testimony to his redeeming love.