Saul of Tarsus

Every Sunday night we watch a Living Scriptures video with our kids. We can't afford the DVD's, so we record it off of a religious channel. This means most of them are from the New Testament.

Well last week's was Saul of Tarsus. We had just talked about Saul in Sunday School, and watching the video further reminded me of how much I love this story.

Perhaps it is because I have such a deep admiration for people who are capable of having such strong convictions. Maybe there were times Saul doubted. Perhaps he fell into despair and wondered if he really was doing to the right thing. That may be a part of the story we'll never hear. But, what we do know, is he faced so much opposition and yet he stayed true to the end. He had such perfect faith that, even when meeting his final parting from this world, he went without fear. For he knew he had served The Lord faithfully. What could be more amazing than that?

Or perhaps I just enjoy the awesomeness of the story. Being stunned by an angel, and converted to follow a completely different path, then the one you had chosen, is pretty amazing in my eyes.

But I think what I enjoy most about this story is that it is a story of redemption. That a man, who had committed some truly heinous sins, was forgiven and was allowed to right some of his wrongs. It really is a powerful message. That the power of forgiveness is so real and amazing, at times, I don't think we can comprehend it.

I truly admire Saul. He gives me hope in so many ways. He shows what can be accomplished when one has real faith. And he helps me to see that a person like me can be forgiven for my shortcomings and could even go on to do some pretty amazing things.

Sometimes I get angry with God. Sometimes I throw my fists in the air and ask, "What am I doing wrong?"

At times I become so bitter. I know I should pray for guidance and help. I know I should open my heart, and mind, and search for the things the Lord has blessed me with. That I should allow him to guide me, and I should continue to do what is right. But my faith gets so shaken. I no longer want to do what I know will help. I just want to be angry.

But, through examples like Saul, I am taught two very important things: that the most bitter, and angry, of hearts can be changed and forgiven; and that pure and unshaken faith can be practiced in even the most dire of circumstances.

So many are asked to go through so much, and yet many stay steadfast and strong. Well, than I too can keep my faith too. What has been asked of me suddenly doesn't seem so hard anymore.

Of course, being a huge lover of music, what captured me most, from the video, was the song. Which is why I posted the video here. Perhaps I'm a bit cheesy, but I've always really enjoyed the music on The Living Scriptures movies. This song really struck a chord with me. I'm a sucker for good lyrics, and I just thought these lyrics were written so well. I looked it up on you tube, and have been listening to it all night. After taking a shower, I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to share it. I hope somebody out there enjoys it as much as I do.