My son’s very first word was “ribbet.” As his mother, I was hoping that he would say, “Mom” first. Thankfully, his second word was “Mom.” His third word came months later when he learned how to say “Dad.” But, that first word was “ribbet” thanks to his grandmother who was reading a book to him about a frog.
As I was thinking about my son’s first word, my mind drifted to the metamorphosis frogs experience. Frogs lay eggs in moist and damp places and the eggs eventually hatch into tadpoles. They must lay their eggs in the damp because tadpoles breathe through gills. It is only after tadpoles go through metamorphosis that they transform into froglets and develop lungs. Then the froglet grows into an adult frog. This adult frog now looks nothing like the tadpole it once was, it doesn’t even breathe the same way.
When this transformation – or metamorphosis – occurs it changes the frog completely and it is never the same. It is a new creation. Considering the life-cycle of a frog can help us understand Paul’s transformation experience on the road to Damascus.
The Story of When Saul Became Paul
There was once a man named Saul who was an enemy of the church because he did many terrible things to people who followed Jesus Christ. He was part of a group that stoned a man named Stephen because he was preaching about Jesus.
One day, Saul was traveling down a road to the city of Damascus looking for Christians to throw in jail. As he was traveling, a bright light appeared. Saul heard the voice of Jesus. Jesus said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul’s response was, “Who are you, Lord?” “Jesus replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. I have appeared to appoint you as my servant and to be a witness for me.” [1]
Saul’s life was transformed after that meeting with Jesus. Saul received a new name and we now know him as Paul. Instead of trying to destroy the church as he once did, he traveled to many towns preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. Paul went through a complete transformation – a metamorphosis – of his own. People were amazed at the change that took place in his life. In his travels, people said of him, “The man who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” [2] Speaking of his transformation, Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” [3]
It is amazing to see what Jesus did in Paul’s life. Paul was a very broken man. With Jesus’ help, Paul was able to turn his brokenness into service for the Lord. This is what the transforming power of Jesus can do. Paul let Jesus change his life. Wouldn’t you like to let Jesus change your life after experiencing loss? Place your faith and trust in Jesus so that He can transform your life into something you never imagined. When I was younger, I had no idea that I would be a woman in ministry today. I never imagined I would be a minister until one day when Jesus transformed my life. Even after my son died, the Lord has been using me to help mend broken hearts around the world. The Lord can use you if you let Him transform your life.
Our lives can be changed when we put their faith and trust in the Lord. After his transformation experience, Paul shared the love of Christ with others. May we share the love of Jesus Christ with others so that their lives can be transformed with God’s love, too.
Tags: Transformation, God’s Love, Frog’s Life Cycle
[1] Acts 9:3-6
[2] Galatians 1:23
[3] 2 Corinthians 5:17