Hudson Our church is doing a short series on heroes in the Bible. Four of us picked a different person to preach about over the next few weeks. I chose to talk about Paul. I believe Paul is a hero for many reasons. Yet, most notably for his conversion experience from persecuting and hating Christians and what they stood for to fully following Jesus and proclaiming the Gospel throughout the known world of his time.

In Acts 26:1-29, Paul retells his conversion story to Agrippa and Festus. He admits his prior persecution of Christians (which included Stephen's death recorded in Acts 7). Paul was a "hater" who stood in the background while others carried out the act of stoning. Did you know that you can be guilty of the act of hatred without even throwing a stone? Like remaining silent while a "friend" belittles another friend right in front of you. Like watching someone throw a word, an attitude, or an object at a co-worker or classmate that no one else seems to like. When you stand on the sidelines and consent to abusive behavior, you consent to the act of hatred and thus are just as guilty.

Great heroes of faith can point out their own flaws. They can admit when they should have taken a different stand for the rights of others and did not. Paul was that kind of hero amidst his persecution as he is on trial for his belief in Jesus' resurrection. Paul is willing to admit that he helped to persecute other Christians for the same reason that is being persecuted at that moment. Heroes can admit their flaws because they now have the power of Christ living in them.

At another point in this story, Paul retells of his trip to Damascus. On the way he is blinded by a light from heaven and falls to the ground. A voice speaks from heaven, "Why are you persecuting me?" Paul asks who is speaking, and the voice says, "I am Jesus." This was a critical moment for Paul. Would he accept this truth (and commands) that Jesus presents to him? Or, will he continue on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians? Will he follow Christ or continue to persecute Him?

Paul decides to respond to the truth of Jesus and the reality of His resurrection. As Jesus puts it, Paul's eyes were opened to the things he hasn't seen before, and he has turned from darkness to the light and power of God. Thus, heroes of faith respond appropriately to the truth at critical moments in their life. He could have chosen his same path and direction, but he realized that Jesus had the "real" truth.

I pray that you and I will be able to also respond appropriately to the truth (Jesus' voice, direction, and word) when it is presented to us. There are several critical moments, personally or publically, every month when we face critical moments in our faith. It is at these moments that we need to stand up for the truth of the Gospel and Jesus' resurrection. If we don't, we will continue on our present direction and continue to persecute Jesus.

Oh God, help me (and each person reading this column) to follow You and to proclaim You at those critical moments in my life, because You are my HERO! Amen.

Micah Hudson is youth pastor at Delphi United Methodist Church.