I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus.

Acts 26:9-15, “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. While thus engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.’”

Many people have this idea that God is a God of vengeance, punishment and wrath against those who oppose Him. Paul’s story shows us that this is absurd. Instead we see God’s amazing grace, mercy and provision; He took the worst offender against the name of Jesus and redirected Him as His personally chosen instrument to take His good news to the gentiles. Paul would later call himself the “chief of all sinners.” What could anyone do worse than this?

We thank You that You never give up on us; thank You for Your amazing grace, and Your relentless pursuit of us not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to the knowledge of Your amazing grace!