Transformation

“And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.’” Acts 9:3-6

What happens when a person has an encounter with God? Ask Isaiah. Ask Saul of Tarsus. Ask slave trader John Newton. Ask Charles Colson.

Many looked on each of these with skepticism:
▸ “Hey, have you heard Isaiah’s latest vision?”
▸ “Saul’s alleged conversion is just another plot to fool more Christians. He will show his true colors before long.”
▸ “Old John finally got religion. I wonder how long it will last.”
▸ “Colson? He is just using region to get a reduced rap.”

Although those comments were made of these men, each has proved that a transformation has taken place. Their lives after their encounter with God reflected none of their past. Their contributions to the cause of Christ did and continue to influence the world with unanticipated power.

Why? What made their encounter with God so dynamic? Unlike many “conversions” to Christianity, these notables were forced to face themselves as they really were.

A word which stands out when one encounters God is the word transformation. We can never again be what we were when once we come face to face with God and with ourselves.