Saul wasn’t just a Pharisee who followed his faith to the letter of the law. He zealously fought against anyone else who disagreed with him.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Acts 7:59-8:1 NIV)
Sharing our faith with others is good. In fact, leadership in God’s church is about walking with God and helping others do the same. Saul, however, took this plan too far when he approved stoning people to death for not walking with God.
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 NIV)
God wants us to bring people home, not put them to death. Saul would learn this the hard way.
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. (Acts 9:3-7 NIV)
Everything changed for Saul on that road to Damascus. That day he would encounter Jesus, the living God. Saul’s life would be changed forever.
How about you? Have you ever been so zealous for your faith that you were willing to harm others who disagreed with you? Have you ever encountered Jesus, the living God? Did it change your life, too?
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