When Jesus changes you, it will show!

Saul is a Jew, born in the Roman city of Tarsus. Very devout, educated Pharisee, observer of the law, who thought persecuting the Christians was a way to show his devotion to Yahweh; to the point of watching them kill Stephen. The witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of Saul. (Acts 7:58). Then after he had gotten permission from the High Priest to go search for any men or women who were of “The Way” to bound them to Jerusalem, he headed to Damascus. He was busy threatening and murdering Christians. While he was coming near to Damascus a bright light appeared to him and a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?  Saul says, “who are you, Lord? “He said, I am Jesus, who you are persecuting…”! This changed Saul forever. He even started going by the name Paul. Maybe to try and make him more able to approach the Gentiles.

So, to see the disciples a little afraid of Saul (in Acts 9:26) this would have been a normal reaction. Was this just a trick for him to get close to us, and then try kill us also? Did anyone around you question your salvation? Maybe someone was doubtful that you really were different. Maybe this is just a phase! But over time, they really saw a new person.

     When Jesus changes you, it will show! People around you will see and hear the change. As another birthday comes and goes, do you find yourself seeking to be more like Jesus? The one who can change someone like Saul. He can even change someone like you and me!

Happy birthday.

Michelle R

 ’67 / ’84 Jacksonville FL