Nougat 22

Do you believe in the transforming power of Jesus Christ? Why? For many of us it’s because WE have a story. Of course, if it’s about transformation, we might not feel comfortable sharing. Do you have a story? It could be your testimony; your starting point for sharing about the love of Christ with others. Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Every story has a beginning and an end, whether fact or fiction. And some might have a middle. For even in a series where there’s a cliffhanger; the point where we’re invited to tune in once again is an ending. And what we share, like Paul has a context with a beginning and an end.

Where it began

Paul was zealous; fervently faithful. He was so devout and dedicated that he wanted everyone to be like him. So much so that what he considered righteousness made him a menace to society. That is, to Christian society. He began killing those whose religious beliefs did not coincide with his, particularly those who followed ‘The Way’ of Jesus. (Hmm, something to think about in regard to suicide bombers. They think they are being righteous; just like Paul did.) But his righteousness WAS and still is like Filthy Rags before Christ, as it was not grounded in God’s love.

The Middle

This part is not physically written in Paul’s story to the church at Philippi; but was known by everyone. They knew it because many had feared him and didn’t trust him in that time immediately following his conversion. Some would have been skeptical, especially if they lost friends and family to Paul’s religious zeal. As time progressed, I suspect Paul’s story might have become an idiom or an encouraging word; at least in Jamaica. “If God can change Saul to St Paul; trust me, God can change you”. And in a sense; that’s the point of the story.

How the story ended

We Jamaicans often say, ”it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish!”. And that’s what we see with Paul’s life. For he notes that his conversion was the real deal – so much so that Christ was his priority. And everything related to his former life was testimony. It had ZERO value. That is the proof of the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Application

This is also applicable for our life stories – like Paul; our story can be transformed from self-righteousness to righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). The worst, most horrible secret of our past (or present) is not the end of the story. But it can be the point in our testimony. By God’s grace.

And best of all; our end here has a “To be Continued …” affixed. There’s yet another story awaiting each of us when this earthly story ends. And unlike literary stories; that one is never-ending. I end today with another testimony for our consideration (lyrics are provided to help with content)

—

May all we seek be found in Christ