- As bad as it can get, God can change it.
Acts 9:13 & 15 – Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: — But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me . . .
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It makes no difference how bad you are, or think you are. Jesus is more than sufficient to redeem you from sin and all its consequences and transform you into a child of light (God). Allow me to offer you a scenario for your consideration, particularly in light of our present world and the laws of man under which we live.
There is a man who is standing before you. He has a long history of being a violent offender, heavy drinker and drug user. His reputation for cruelty and vicious behavior is widely known. The tattoos on his hands and arms speak to the issues of his past. The scars on his face and hands give clear indication to a life NOT well-spent, but wasted in violence, much of which took place in the most questionable of places. He is applying for a job with your company. His work will put him in the company of clientele in their homes, likely having children present. WOULDL YOU HIRE HIM?
In the modern marketplace, the answer will almost assuredly be, “NO.” Current laws would put you, your business, your reputation, and ultimately your family in a very risky position.
But what of the man? Continuing the scenario, since his last incarceration, he has become a Christian. He is attending church, following through with every program to which he has been assigned, daily in times of extended prayer and study, completely disassociated from his past influencers and daily engaged with strong Christian accountability. He is truly a new man in Christ, old things having passed away, all things having been made new. If you could KNOW this to be a fact, I offer the same question again. WOULD YOU HIRE HIM?
Now consider our Text for Today. Paul was an evil man, knowledgeable of the Scriptures for the purpose of abusing and destroying Christians, persecuting the church, imprisoning many, guilty of the deaths of many Christians and the disruption and destruction of many families, including children’s lives. Would you hire such a man to serve in a leadership role in your home church, or even your business? I certainly would not.
BUT GOD! He can do what man cannot. God caught Saul of Tarsus. God changed Saul of Tarsus. God saved Saul of Tarsus. God chose Saul of Tarsus. God called Saul of Tarsus. God anointed Saul of Tarsus. God used Saul of Tarsus. And Saul of Tarsus became Paul the Apostle, wrote half the New Testament, traveled his known world, and was a key player in redirecting the path of history. So, you think you’re bad. Get in line, my friend; a change is awaiting you.
Manna for Today – Acts 9:1-18; John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Galatians 3:13-29
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 