In Acts 9 we read of the conversion of Saul, a dramatic change of focus. While on his way to persecute believers in Damascus, Saul is blinded and rebuked by the words of Jesus. A dramatic but familiar story. His campaign against Christians had begun with the stoning of Stephen, and had escalated to Saul approaching the high priest for authority to persecute believers.
Saul was blind for 3 days until he was healed by Ananias, during which time he fasted. As soon as his sight was restored, Saul was baptised. He didn’t wait to have a meal, starting a new direction in life was the top priority for him. After being baptised and eating, Saul remains in Damascus, proclaiming in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. He was encouraged by the bewilderment people expressed at his change in message, and “confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ”. It affected them so much they plotted to kill him.
I think the lesson for us is the passion Saul demonstrated in whatever he was doing. Once zealously persecuting believers, then when redirected he zealously preached the gospel, “preaching boldly in the name of the Lord”. We too should be passionate and zealously proclaiming the hope of the gospel, and the great message of hope it offers.