I suggested the same must happen to us. The call for us is to learn to give up on trying to save ourselves through whatever means we find meaningful, and instead, to give up ourselves for Christ and his kingdom. The goal is not to make Christ relevant to our lives, but to let the Spirit transform us so that our lives become relevant to God and his kingdom.
But what does that mean? I think at a bare minimum it means that the Kingdom of God is now on our radar screens. You see, we might not know what to do. We might even feel lost in terms of direction, but there's been a change. Whereas once it was all me, myself and I; now we're thinking about and beginning to desire the truth, beauty and goodness found in God, in his Son, and in his creation.
Conversion is fundamentally a transformation of our desires. More on that later . . .
Peace.
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Saul of Tarsus ( A Just man, A Jew of Jews), in his growing rage of the people (men, women) of "The Way"; To bring these "heritics" to justice, by binding them that call on the Name of Jesus as Lord and bringing them to Jerusalem to be judged. see vs. Acts 9:14.
The Lord Jesus when confronting Saul Acts 9:04-06 Identifies himself as Jesus "whom you are persecuting." Saul immediatly addresses Jesus as Lord, after Jesus told him "[it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks."
It's as if Paul was a raging bull in the ring; being proded with sharp lances "rebukes" (pecadores [sins]; Pickadors) from The Lord. That Paul was subdued [bound in Truth] in a manner that only The Lord Himself could accomplish. (For The Lord Knows everything about everybody and what makes them "tick".)
It is interesting tha Saul was blinded for 3 days. Could this be a picture of the death, and burial to his old nature, when on the third day Saul was born of The Spirit to experience the grace to be able to see and correctly percieve The Truth, The Way, The Life?
Equally interesting to me is how Jesus The Lord worked with Ananias ("the human hand directed by Jesus to touch Brother Saul") to accomplish the will and purpose of The Lord. That The Lord disclosed to Ananias that "Saul is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel; and shewing him how great things Saul must suffer for my name's sake."
The life, conversion, and ministry of Brother Saul/Paul is such an awesome story. It cautions this Christian to be careful to judge others..(as much as I am prone to wander on this matter)... for God can raise up anyone to Himself, for His Purpose.
Brothers and Sisters, Be Strong (dwelling) In The Lord and The Power of His Might!
Blessed be your days in Him!
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