the G sides

This is part of our weekly journey through the book of Acts. Today is from Acts 9.

Such is Saul’s situation and he doesn’t even know it at the start of Acts 9. He’s become what he hates. He is the Jew’s Jew. Educated, pious, passionate. He’s a man of action in a culture of words. He doesn’t just speak for God, he lives for God and isn’t afraid to take radical steps FOR God - like hunting down the pagan cultists who are disobeying and dishonoring the Lord God Almighty. They don’t have on their heart and mind the things of God! They won’t listen to reason so maybe they will listen to justice.

Saul hates this new sect of “Jesus Freaks” because they don’t know the real, true God and they are distracting from His work and purpose on the earth.

So God holds up a mirror and it blinds Saul.

It’s just like God to cut to the chase - “Saul, why are you persecuting ME?” Not those people or even “my people” but me…personally. Why are you attacking me?

“Who ARE you, Lord????”

In that split second, Saul’s secure theological structure hung in the balance. He was convinced he was talking to God but not the one he thought he knew. This God was both more dangerous and more loving than he imagined. It was a question of more than just identity…but of character.

It’s easy to understand the uneasiness and hesitancy of Ananias and the Apostles in reaching out to Saul. Saul was not just the San Hedrin’s chief henchman, he was also “the Axe.” It’s easy to understand the Jew’s reaction to Saul’s change of heart - kill him. What’s hard to get is Saul’s decision in the middle of this drama. His course of action shows a maturity and a passion for God seldom seen.

He’s stuck between two worlds - the world of Judaism that he’s leaving and the world of Christ-followers he’s joining. It’s a situation that many young followers find themselves in. The void between the life without Jesus and with Him. It’s in the void we begin to feel the full measure of what it costs to follow Jesus. Saul knew firsthand what to expect. He chose it anyway. He had to know there would be a slow acceptance of him into the circle of faith….he chose Jesus anyway. He knew what it would cost him professionally and personally…he chose Jesus anyway. Great model for those facing the same situation today. Chose Jesus anyway.

In the void between the two worlds Saul clings to the truth…the truth that answered that his question “who ARE you?” Jesus. Both his experience and his beloved Scriptures point to it…demand it. Instead of holding up until the rest of the Christ-following community believes him, he clings to his answer - Jesus. He goes to the place he is most familiar with - the synagogues - to share the Truth…Jesus.

We’ve asked all these years - “Who are you, God?” We’ve wondered about the smell, look, taste, and feel of God. We’ve wondered what would it look like to know and see God. Here’s the answer - Jesus. Saul’s experience matches his knowledge of the Scriptures.

Who are you, God?

You are Jesus.