Years ago, I enjoyed watching a show about a dog trainer who had a knack for reforming unruly dogs. It was painful to view the footage of the dog before a visit from “The Dog Whisperer.” These dogs were not only disobedient but also destructive and often dangerous. But after a day or two with the trainer, the frantic dog would take on a calm and submissive character.
When we read Acts 9, we find a man named Saul, a dangerous and destructive man, attacking the bride of Christ. But here, the Good Shepherd steps in, and it doesn’t take an afternoon, or a few days, in a matter of a moment, he has Saul in a calm, submissive frame. The story of Saul reminds us of Christ’s power that subdues his enemies and his love that makes them his children.
A Menace to the Church
Saul was a bad guy. The way Luke describes him in Acts, he sounds like a predator. After approving of Stephen’s execution (8:1), Saul ravaged the church by dragging men and women out of their homes and putting them in prison (8:3). Not content on his work in Jerusalem, he, while still “breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (9:1), received authorization from the high priest to expand his mission to Damascus (9:2). Reflecting upon his earlier life, he describes himself as “a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (1 Tim. 1:13). He was a menace to the church. He was famous for his violent opposition to Christ’s church (9:13). His actions didn’t escape anyone’s notice––even the Good Shepherd of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Armed with letters authorizing the arrest of Christians, Saul was arrested by the Christ.
A Wolf Meets the Good Shepherd
Armed with letters authorizing the arrest and extradition of Christians, Saul was arrested by the Christ. Bright light from heaven engulfed him and forced him to his knees. In the days of his earthly ministry, Jesus pulled back the veil of his flesh to showcase his glory at his transfiguration (Matt. 17:3). Similarly, on the road to Damascus, the One “who dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Tim 6:16) invaded Saul’s presence and revealed his glory. The brightness of his glory would not only melt his eyes, but it would melt his heart also.
With Saul humbled to his knees, the Good Shepherd interrogates him, asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). In what sense could Saul persecute Jesus? He’s in heaven, and Saul’s on earth. How could Saul reach into heaven to lay a finger on Jesus? Because Christ is the head of the church, his body. Can the arm or chest take a blow without affecting the head? Christ has unity with his church. Saul attacked the sheep, but he picked a fight with the Good Shepherd.
Coming out of this interaction with the risen and reigning Christ, Saul is humbled. He’s been broken. He had planned to go to Damascus, and he did. In a calm, submissive frame, Saul is led by the hand into the city, blinded by the glory of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of the flock of God.
From Enemy to Ambassador
If you didn’t know the rest of the story, you might think that Jesus is going to toss Saul into the dungeon and throw away the key. But he doesn’t. Instead of removing the threat to the church by getting rid of Saul, Jesus removes the threat by deputizing him to speak on his behalf. Jesus doesn’t push Saul away from the church; he brings him in to be part of his family.
None are so bad that Christ cannot save them, and none are so good that they don’t need saving.
Understandably, this was tough for the church to get their minds around. Ananias expresses his concern to the Lord (Acts 9:13–14). But Jesus assures him that Saul “is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles…” (9:15). Jesus loves to turn his enemies into his ambassadors. This is an important lesson for us today too. Regardless of who someone was before when Jesus saves them, they become part of his family. And the church is to welcome them in as a brother or sister in Christ. The old has passed away, and the new has come.
Paul is an example for us of the kind of patient mercy that Jesus has on people (1 Tim. 1:15–16). None are so bad that Christ cannot save them, and none are so good that they don’t need saving. Our Lord Jesus is a merciful, loving, and mighty Savior. He even turns his enemies into his ambassadors.