Acts 9:1-9 New Life Version (NLV)
Being on the wrong side of God’s plan and will is never a good location in which to find oneself. In that place, human flesh is actually working against what God is planning to do; what has been spoken (Word) and is being guided (Spirit) into motion. Either the perfect will of God or the will of rebellious humanity has to give way. Since God is all-powerful and nothing is beyond his sovereign control, human flesh is going to experience defeat.
In our passage today, Saul—a leader of the Pharisees—is hunting down the followers of Christ; he thinks he is doing Yahweh a favor by silencing and killing these ignorant and misdirected fanatics. We find Saul sitting smugly on his spiritual high horse when the Lord knocks him to the ground. This is Saul’s turning point; experiencing God in Spirit and in Truth and realizing he does not really “know’ the heart of God nor has he been serving Him. Saul has been serving his flesh. May we work with the Lord—who is Love—and not against him when he reveals Truth to us.
Acts 9:1-8 Saul Becomes a Christian on the Way to Damascus
9 Saul was still talking much about how he would like to kill the followers of the Lord. He went to the head religious leader. 2 He asked for letters to be written to the Jewish places of worship in the city of Damascus. The letters were to say that if he found any men or women following the Way of Christ he might bring them to Jerusalem in chains.
3 He went on his way until he came near Damascus. All at once he saw a light from heaven shining around him. 4 He fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why are you working so hard against Me?” 5 Saul answered, “Who are You, Lord?” He said, “I am Jesus, the One Whom you are working against. You hurt yourself by trying to hurt Me.” 6 Saul was shaken and surprised. Then he said, “What do You want me to do, Lord?” The Lord said to him, “Get up! Go into the city and you will be told what to do.”
7 Those with Saul were not able to say anything. They heard a voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he saw nothing. They took him by the hand and led him to Damascus. 9 He could not see for three days. During that time he did not eat or drink.
Prayer: Lord, may each day I find myself working with you and not against you to bring ongoing transformation to my soul. May I allow my mind to be changed in how I see your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.