Acts 9:1-19
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Acts 9:1-19 (NKJV)
When you read these words from Acts about Saul, I want you to think about someone you know who would most likely never be converted to Christianity. Saul was like that person. He was well educated in the Jewish faith and as a result, believed that Jesus was a fraud. He spent his time and energy finding believers and incarcerating them. How could he, or the person you feel would most likely never to be converted become a believer in Christ?
Saul doesn't know who Jesus is. But Jesus doesn't give up on him. Just as he doesn't give up on any of us. Saul submits to God when he asks, "What do you want me to do?" Instead of an immediate answer, Jesus tells him that he needs to wait to find out. That's difficult for all of us. We need to trust in Him and submit to his will.
Imagine yourself as Ananias. God is asking him to go to this man who is known to persecute believers and lay his hands on Saul's head. Yikes! That had to be a scary thought! But Jesus asks us all to have faith and to follow his commands. He doesn't want us to give up on anyone. Imagine yourself going to that person you thought of who was least likely to become a believer and tell that person to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It might be impossible to do that in person but if you close your eyes and picture yourself doing it, your heart will be filled with the belief that God has for all of us, that through His grace, we are saved.
As we all know, Saul, later Paul, not only came to believe, he came to spread the word of God. We are God's hands and feet on earth. The song Do Something by Matthew West talks about this. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qX5wcFUV4I
Questions for Reflection:
- What is it we can do to "Do Something" like Saul did after his conversion?
- When we are struck down by something difficult in our lives, what helps us to trust in God and wait for his answers?
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to have the conviction of Saul. Help me to listen when you call me to do something. In your glorious name I pray. Amen
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