Sermon- Church On The Move | Unexpected Conversations | Pastor Jisun Yang | 5-10-26
- Middletown UMC Meadowlark
- May 10
- 2 min read
On Mothers' Day we think of love, sacrifice, nurturing, care, in our moms and mother figures who have helped shape us throughout the years, who have encouraged us, prayed for us, fed us, comforted us and stayed with us through different seasons of life. But, motherhood and family relationships are rarely simple or perfect - they are complicated. People who shape us the most are sometimes far from perfect but are ordinary people who carry both love and brokenness. That is why Mothers' Day is so meaningful - we celebrate it because love continues to show up in imperfect people and in unexpected places.
Today we read about one of the most unexpected transformations in the Bible - the conversion of Saul. The text describes Saul as breathing out murderous threats against believers in Christ. He was consumed with hostility, anger and violence towards Christians. Saul was determined to destroy the Church. But on the road to Damascus Saul was blinded by a bright light and heard a voice saying "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?". He asked "Who are you?". Jesus replied "I am Jesus who you are persecuting". Saul could not see for three days, until Ananias laid hands on him and scales fell from his eyes. Saul was then baptized, changed his name to Paul and began preaching the gospel of Christ. His conversion was not the end but a new beginning.
The story of Saul reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. The church saw Saul as a threat but Jesus saw a future disciple and an instrument of the gospel. Others saw violence and hatred in Saul, but Jesus saw someone who deeply loved God in misguided ways and could be transformed and sent to preach the gospel. Some of us may feel too far gone, too broken for God to use, but grace sees the potential in us. Jesus meets us on the road and restores our sight. Healing comes through ordinary yet courageous people like Ananias; people willing to trust God enough to show compassion, extend forgiveness and call someone brother or sister even when it is risky to do so. God transforms our lives in unexpected ways. We are here today because someone loved us and believed in us - a mother, a grandmother, a mother figure. May we continue to follow Jesus faithfully, love courageously, walk humbly and trust that God is still transforming our lives today.