Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024
The Conversion of st paul
The Rev. Rob Stevens
Today we commemorate the conversion of St. Paul. To give you a quick recap. Saul (that was his name before his conversion) was a big-time persecutor of new Christians. To say he was zealous would be an understatement. He was riding on his horse to continue his campaign against Christians when he was literally knocked off his horse and a voice from heaven said to him, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” This began the conversion of St. Paul and his zealousness continued, but with a much different purpose. Within a few weeks, he went from chief persecutor to chief evangelist.
It a sensational story. And to be honest it is a story that has always left me wondering about my own “conversion story.” St. Paul had a “lightning bolt experience” of grand proportions. I love the drama of it all. One moment in time changed his life and the life of so many people. I know other people who can point to one specific moment when “it happened” for them. I must tell you that I’m a little envious of that. I have not had that experience. My conversion has been much more gradual, and I feel that my conversion is ongoing and will continue until my death. Eugene Petersen has a book that describes my life with God fairly accurately, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. I would add in the same “general” direction given that my life following God has not been a straight line at all. I have wandered and gone astray, but God through community has brought me home again and again. The word returning holds great power for me as I contemplate my conversion. It reminds me that no matter my mistakes or my straying that God stands open armed to welcome me home…always.
What’s your conversion story? Do you have one? Have you ever even thought about it? I encourage you to take a moment (or more) to ponder your conversion. Was it sudden? Is it more subtle and gradual? One thing that I believe is that there is not one “right way.” God loves us and sometimes we need to be knocked off the horse and other times we need a gentle nudge. A dream of mine is to tell and listen to each other’s stories. (Go back and listen to the sermon given on January 7 to hear The Rev. Aaron Jenkyn’s story…it’s a good one!).
So, this day as we commemorate one of the heroes of our faith, I invite you to spend some time with your story. It is valuable and it is worthy of sharing.