By David Faust

In sports we celebrate surprising comebacks when losing teams come from behind and win. Business leaders pursue positive turnarounds so failing companies can thrive and become profitable again.

One of history’s most remarkable turnarounds is the transformation of Saul of Tarsus. Blinded on the road to Damascus, he fell to the ground while the Lord Jesus repeated his name and asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4).

“Who Are You, Lord?”

Confronted with the risen Christ, the gospel’s fiercest enemy became its boldest advocate.

Acts 9 includes only one direct quote from Saul’s lips. Responding in awe to the heavenly voice, he cried out, “Who are you, Lord?” (v. 5). This question represents Saul’s first words recorded in the New Testament, and he spent the rest of his life expounding on the answer. Better known as the apostle Paul, he took every opportunity to inform others about the identity of Jesus Christ.

After his amazing turnaround, Paul’s all-consuming purpose in life was to preach Christ. He taught in synagogues, reasoned with questioners in urban markets, wrote letters to young Christians, defended his faith to government officials, and endured unspeakable hardship because of his faith in the living Christ.

The question he asked on the road to Damascus, “Who are you, Lord?” resembles a question Jesus himself asked: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The answer resounds throughout the New Testament. According to the apostle Paul, Christ is the head of the church, the risen Lord, the Savior and King whose name towers above very name and in whom the fullness of deity dwells.

What Every Preacher Needs

Saul the furious persecutor became Paul the faithful preacher, and while his experience was unique, Paul’s story identifies three needs common to everyone God calls to preach his Word.

Conversion. We can’t lead others where we ourselves haven’t gone. Before preaching the gospel to others, Paul sincerely believed it himself. Before challenging others about their sin, he himself repented and was baptized. Whenever and wherever Paul spoke about Christ, the gospel he preached overflowed from a changed heart and a convinced mind.

Instruction. Paul’s call to preach involved more than a blinding light and a powerful voice from Heaven. The Lord sent a teacher named Ananias to tell him what to do. Even gifted leaders who experience dramatic encounters with God need instruction from others to refine and deepen their message.

Protection. After his conversion Saul began to preach, and he immediately suffered persecution and death threats like the kind he himself previously inflicted on the church. Courageous Christians overcame their skepticism about his conversion and risked their own safety to protect him.

Does today’s church need a turnaround? If so, let it start with preachers who are truly converted with their hearts devoted to Christ. Let it start with preachers who continue learning so their message will stay deep and fresh. And let it continue as faithful believers pray for God to protect the church and our leaders from the devil’s attacks. Who knows what other Sauls among us will someday preach the very gospel they once so strongly opposed?

David Faust serves as the Associate Minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Based on International Sunday School Lesson, © 2013, by the Lesson Committee. Scripture quotations are from the New International Version ©2011, unless otherwise indicated.

As you apply today’s Scripture study to everyday life, read Engage Your Faith by David Faust and the correlating Evaluation Questions.

Daily Readings