There must have been many sleepless nights. Surely his conscience nagged at him constantly. Although he could proclaim that he was on a holy mission, there were too many evidences that gave ample reason for doubt.

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At his hands many believers of the new sect had been arrested, condemned, imprisoned and some put to their death. Yet those who should have been cowering in fear and willingly recanting, were strangely at peace and resigned to their fate.

It did not help to bring him any relief to take part in the murder of Stephen. Here was a man with just as much intellect and oratorical skills as himself. The branding of ignorance given to this fledgling group was shattered by the exemplary life and martyrdom of Stephen. Watching this condemned deacon’s face light up with a holy radiance and hearing him proclaim that he could see the Son of God standing beside the heavenly throne, was enough to shake his moral confidence. God was speaking to this troubled soul.

After convincing himself that he was on a just course, we now find Saul lying prostrate on the ground. He has just had a Divine encounter. The words, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” like a cleansing fire, erased his pride, arrogance and self-sufficiency. Saul’s response, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Acts 9:6 shows that he has moved from a misguided persecutor kicking against the pricks to where God can now use him for His glory.

In a dramatic way, Saul, who became Paul, demonstrated the converting power of God. Throughout the ages and even today there have been men and women who have been labeled as hopeless. Either the current life they are living or the past that they cannot escape, brands them as the unredeemable and unlovable amongst us.

Our challenges as believers are many. Learning from the experience of Paul, we must not view any man as hopeless. Though their actions may be crimes against humanity that deserve appropriate punishment, God has the ability to make the chief of sinners a saint. Let’s leave the deciding of fates to God who is All-Knowing.

Another equally important challenge is that we live our lives in such a way that there is no disputing that something divine is taking place inwardly. Though they may fight our logic or mock our beliefs, there should be no denying that we are committed to our calling.

“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:

• What does “zeal” mean to you?
• Is it true that the more zealous you are outwardly indicates your love for God inwardly? Why yes or no?
• The Bible in Matthew 7:1 says “Judge not, that ye be not judged but Matthew 7:20 says “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Isn’t that a contradiction? Why yes or no?
• Should not Paul’s past fighting against the church have disqualified him from having a prominent leadership role in the new church? Explain your answer.
• What qualities did Paul possess that made him the perfect fit to be a missionary to the Gentiles?
• Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: Only certain people are called to do great things for God. Everyone else has a less calling on their lives.  Explain your answer.

We close this week with the words of Paul about himself in his letter to Timothy. His honesty about his past is matched by his humility in the present:

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1Timothy 1:12-17 NIV

Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!

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