Day Nine: Acts 9-12

Of all the miracles that are recorded in the book of Acts, the central miracle is the conversion of Saul in chapter 9.  This can hardly be understated.  In Acts 7-8, Saul is the one who acts an official witness to the murder of Stephen. This is a tipping point, from here on out a wave of persecution begins, spearheaded by Saul.  He drags believers from their homes and the believers are scattered throughout the region.

When we meet him in chapter 9, he is “uttering threats with every breath, eager to kill the Lord’s followers” (9.1) Having scattered the believers in Jerusalem, he takes off for Damascus to hunt down the Christians there.  

On the road, however, who should he meet but Jesus himself?  This encounter changes everything.  The one hunting Christians becomes one himself.  He is baptized and instead of dragging believers from the synagogues, he is the one preaching.  His message: “Jesus is indeed the Son of God!” (9.20) 

Saul, who will later be called Paul becomes the greatest missionary in the history of the church.  His writings make up 1/3 of the New Testament.  And this was his story.

Is there a person in your life that you think is too hard hearted?  That they can never change, will never give God a chance?  Look at the story of Paul and take heart.  

Never treat another person as if there is no hope for them.  Never doom them, curse them or define them by their worst moments.  See their sin, but hope for them.

Even the hardest of hearts can be melted.  

Lord, so often I lose heart.  There are many people in my life that I don’t give a chance to change.  Help me to remember that you can melt hard hearts, including mine.  Amen.