And Saul approved of his execution. (Act 8.1)
We read these words following the heart wrenching narrative depicting the brutal death of Stephen. Standing by was one of the most promising ‘anti-Christs’ of all time, Saul of Tarsus.
If one just sits down and reads straight through of the events unfolding in chapters 6-9 we can hardly do anything but just swallow hard and say “Wow.”
This passionate servant of Christ named Stephen is brutally murdered by an angry mob, but not before delivering a remarkably passionate and clear unpacking of the redemptive plan of God throughout history. Saul is standing by, approving as the preacher is pelted and ultimately buried in rocks hurled by the angry zealots.
However, within a short period of time this same Saul is confronted by the King of Heaven, the Lord of the Church, Jesus Christ.
Paul is anxiously moving towards Damascus to continue his Christian purging. He is holding the orders from the high priest. He is, from a human perspective, unstoppable.
Then the King speaks.
I love this because upon heaven’s interruption of this terrorism Paul and his compatriots stop and find themselves, like a scolded dog, in a calm submissive state.
But Saul was not just thwarted, he was transformed. We read in chapter 9 of this same Saul was now preaching Jesus in the synagogues (9.20) and even confounded the Jews in Damascus (9.22), preached boldly in the name of Jesus (9.27), to the point that they had to sneak him out of town (9.29-30).
Now this is a powerful transformation.
While you and I may not be carrying the death certificate of other Christians like Saul was our conversion is no less radical. God powerfully and sovereignly and lovingly interrupts sinners intent on carrying out their own agenda for their own glory at the expense of the glory of God. He interrupts us. He arrests us by divine grace. He gives us a new life, new disposition, and new mission.
This too is a powerful transformation.
Join me in marvelling this hour at the fact that God is just as alive today as he was on that fateful morning when Saul became Paul. Marvel that grace is just as amazing. Marvel that transformation is just a contrasting. Marvel that the loving Sovereign is still arresting sinners by his powerful mercy, even today.