What other biblical examples show transformation after encountering God's power? Naaman: From Pagan General to Worshiper (2 Kings 5:17) • “‘If you will not,’ said Naaman, ‘please let your servant be given two mule-loads of earth, for your servant will never again make a burnt offering or sacrifice to any other god but the LORD.’” (2 Kings 5:17) • The Syrian commander meets God’s power, his skin and heart are both cleansed, and he carries Israeli soil home so he can worship the LORD alone. • His story sets the pattern: God’s power transforms identity, allegiance, and mission. Jacob Becomes Israel (Genesis 32:24-32) • After a night of wrestling, “Your name will no longer be Jacob … but Israel.” (Genesis 32:28) • Encounter: the pre-incarnate Christ cripples Jacob’s hip yet blesses him. • Transformation: schemer to patriarch, walking with a limp that reminds him he now depends on God, not deceit. Moses at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3–4) • “I have surely seen the affliction of My people.” (Exodus 3:7) • Encounter: fire that does not consume. • Transformation: fugitive shepherd becomes deliverer; staff of wood turns into the rod of God (4:20). • Result: Pharaoh trembles, Israel marches out. Isaiah Purified in the Temple (Isaiah 6:1-8) • “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal … ‘Your guilt is removed.’” (Isaiah 6:6-7) • Encounter: throne room glory shakes the temple. • Transformation: from “Woe is me” to “Here am I; send me!”—a prophet ready for a lifetime of hard proclamation. Nebuchadnezzar Humbled and Restored (Daniel 4:28-37) • “My reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High.” (Daniel 4:34) • Encounter: sovereign discipline—seven years as a beast. • Transformation: arrogant emperor to doxologist who confesses God’s eternal dominion. Saul to Paul on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:1-22) • “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (9:3) • Encounter: risen Christ confronts the persecutor. • Transformation bullets: – Blind three days, then sight restored (9:18). – From hunting disciples to preaching Jesus as Son of God (9:20). – Identity change signified by a new name, Paul (13:9). Zacchaeus the Tax Collector (Luke 19:1-10) • “Look, Lord! Half of my possessions I give to the poor.” (19:8) • Encounter: Jesus invites Himself to dinner. • Transformation: greedy extortioner becomes joyful giver; salvation comes to his house (19:9). The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20) • People “saw the man who had been possessed … sitting there, clothed and in his right mind.” (5:15) • Encounter: Legion expelled by Christ’s word. • Transformation: from chained menace to first missionary to Decapolis (5:19-20). Peter Recommissioned after Denial (John 21:15-19) • “Feed My sheep.” (21:17) • Encounter: risen Lord cooks breakfast on the shore. • Transformation: shame-filled denier becomes shepherd-apostle who will glorify God in martyrdom (21:19). Woman at the Well (John 4:4-30, 39-42) • “Come, see a Man who told me everything I ever did.” (4:29) • Encounter: Messiah reveals living water. • Transformation: socially ostracized woman becomes town evangelist; many believe through her testimony (4:39). Shared Threads of Transformation • Divine initiative—God always makes the first move. • Personal encounter—whether light, fire, wrestling, or gentle conversation. • Immediate change—hearts, speech, and behavior shift quickly. • Ongoing mission—each transformed life becomes a witness to God’s power. |
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