Transcript
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. Dear heavenly Father, in the gentle embrace of your presence, we find comfort and joy in the truth of this promise. It is a sweet balm to our souls, reminding us that in you we are reborn, renewed, and restored. With tender hearts, we thank you for the gift of new beginnings. The past, with its failures and pains, no longer holds sway over us. In Christ, we are set free. Our lives are a testament to your boundless grace and love. Help us to walk in this newness of life, embracing the beauty of the transformation you have wrought in us. May the reality of our identity in Christ soothe our spirits, filling us with peace and assurance. Let us live each day in the fullness of your joy, knowing that we are dearly loved, completely forgiven, and forever changed. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus podcast, Gospel Stories retold to capture your imagination and invigorate your faith. Today we dive into the story of Paul the Apostle. Before his encounter with Christ, he was the Grim Reaper and harbinger of persecution for the church. Now listen for part two of his dramatic conversion story. Follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered by more people. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. Winter gave way to spring. The frost melted slowly off the mountain range and trickled downstream into the valley of Samaria. Saul left at first light to Damascus. The sun's warmth chased away the fog, revealing the newly budded wildflowers carpeting the valley floor. The road to Damascus chased after the shadow of Mount Hermon, and Saul could still see the whitecaps as he rode atop his horse. A band of temple servants and guards followed behind him. They considered themselves inquisitors for a holy cause, righteous warriors for the armies of the Lord. Saul rode at the front atop his noble steed. He was their fearless leader, mighty and filled with religious zeal. He had accepted his new role with excitement. He could be renowned forever as the man who thwarted the uprising of the Nazarenes. Historians would remember him forever as the leader who ended the name of Jesus. The thought of such accolades gave him a smile. Like the river picking up speed from the mountains, Saul continued his momentum to Damascus. On the fourth day, Saul and his companions passed the Sea of Galilee. Saul looked at the hill, scaling upwards away from the shore. Fishermen docked their boats and unloaded their fish onto the beach. The shore of Galilee was where Jesus often walked. It was where he taught and gathered people to himself. For a moment, Paul stopped and gazed at the vast body of water. He could see Jesus in his mind's eye, spreading his shameful lies and drawing people away with false promises of eternal life. He often fantasized about interrupting Jesus and rebuking him. Yet there was a small prodding on his heart that kept emerging when he thought of Jesus. Like a loose needle occasionally pricking his spirit, he kicked against any feeling of conviction and marched onward. Despite Saul's efforts, the impact of Jesus was inescapable. Every inn, marketplace and well they stopped at was filled with people talking about him, the Messiah. They told tales of his return from the grave. They spoke freely about his miracles and teachings. They did not know Saul was on his mission, or else they would have spoken with fear. Nevertheless, Saul was compelled, not because of Jesus words or miracles, but because of how people talked about him. This man, who was only a few years older than him, had managed to grip the hearts of thousands, perhaps even millions. He had done what Saul had only dreamed of, and he did it with only a few fishermen by his side. It enraged Saul even more. Now he was not just fueled by piety, but jealousy. Saul left Galilee and crossed the River Jordan by the Roman bridge. The significance of the Jordan river moved Saul. His ancestors had crossed the Jordan with Joshua centuries earlier. He saw himself like Joshua, leading people out of slavery to this Jesus of Nazareth. We are all bond servants to this Jesus, he murmured. He hated that this blasphemous imposter had taken so many hearts and minds away from God. I will liberate our nation, Saul thought to himself. I will save them and set them free, no matter the cost.