18 Apr - What's Your Conversion Story?

What’s your conversion story?

Do you know you’re an instrument of God?

These are the questions that come to my mind when I read this portion of Acts. The conversion of Paul is probably the most famous conversion story in the Bible because it’s pretty dramatic. Let’s review a little bit. Saul was zealous at trying to ferret out men and women who were “of the Way” – early Christians. He was a man who believed he was right and doing God’s work.

So he’s on the way to Damascus and suddenly a bright light, brighter than the noonday sun, envelops him and he falls to the ground and he hears: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And Saul’s reply is: “Who are you, Lord?” It’s not quite as ironic as it sounds because “lord” is really translated better as “sir”. I’m sure he was surprised and terrified to hear it was Jesus calling him. The light goes away, but he can’t see. He is totally helpless. Those travelling with him take him to Damascus; take him to a place where he’ll be safe, where he prays and fasts.

Enter Ananias. Ananias, plain old guy – this is the only time we see him. We might as well call him “John Smith” and he’s called in a vision by God to go and heal Saul. And he says: “Whoa! Wait a minute. I’ve heard all the stories about this guy. I don’t think that’s such a good idea.” And God says: “Go!” But Ananias is privileged enough to hear why – that God has chosen Saul to be an instrument of spreading the Good News to the Gentiles. So Ananias goes and lays hands on him; heals Paul and fills him with the Holy Spirit. I think it’s important that we notice that. Ananias, John Smith, plain ole guy, not an apostle, nobody truly special, but heals Paul and fills him with the Holy Spirit. We are all full of the Holy Spirit. This is what we can do.

I imagine that there are lots of stories of conversions here in this congregation; maybe not even conversions to Christianity or even becoming an Episcopalian. But I would venture to guess that every story made you a better person and a better Christian. We are all instruments of God. I invite you to open your hearts, especially when you’re feeling helpless. Open your hearts to what God is trying to say and celebrate with the joy of Paul in proclaiming that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Peace,

The Rev. M.E. Eccles