Never The Same Again
The Pillars of the Church - Never The Same Again
Have you ever met someone whose life seemed so beyond the reach of God that it would be inconceivable they could ever change? Maybe you’ve even thought that about yourself. Early in Jesus’ ministry, when He was preaching in Galilee, Jesus met Simon the Zealot. Now, Simon was part of a militant, religious, Jewish sect called the “zealots,” who rebelled against the Roman occupation. They fiercely opposed Roman rule, Roman taxation, and anyone who accommodated the Empire. Sold to murderous violence, Simon was considered by Rome as an outlaw. From a human standpoint, can you think of anyone more disqualified, more beyond the transforming power of God?
Then he met Jesus and his life would never be the same again. A paradigm shift took place in his heart. He abandoned his old ways and redirected his zeal towards the words, the ways, the will, and the worship of Jesus. Beloved, if Jesus could take a man who was once ready to kill for his cause, and make him a disciple ready to die for his Savior, can you imagine what He can do in you!
Was Simon a radical? Yes. But even more radical is the ability of Jesus to change a man! Jesus doesn’t just see who we are; He sees who we can become. Where others saw a religious fanatic, Jesus saw a future disciple. Where others saw someone unqualified, Jesus saw someone who could carry His Gospel. Chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve Apostles and a pillar in the early Church, Simon the Zealot took the Gospel to Egypt and Persia before being martyred for his faith in Christ! This is a tremendous reminder that Jesus can rewrite anyone’s story, including yours. Because nobody, not even you, is beyond the transforming power of God! Hallelujah! “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This is Laine Wilder for Carry the Light Ministries, bringing you Insights From an Elder.
by Laine Wilder
Author of “Insights From an Elder” for
Carry the Light Ministries
