February 7, 2019
Acts 9:19-25
On the road to Damascus, Saul’s journey to arrest Christians takes a momentary detour. Light encircles him, he falls off his horse to the earth, and hears a voice address him by saying his name twice (meaning pay attention). Who is speaking? The voice identifies himself as Jesus and asks Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?” In this moment, Saul realizes even though he thought he was doing the will of God by stomping out the sparks of Christianity he was actually opposing the One True God.
The experience leaves Saul blinded by the Light. In his own strength and ability he is helpless and weak. But God wants to be his strength; so, God sends Ananias (a disciple) to lay hands on Saul and pray for him to receive the Holy Spirit so he may have spiritual sight.
We can all find ourselves detoured in life and blinded from the Truth. Pleasing God may be our desire, but as humans we see dimly. We must remain humble and welcome God to bring Light to anything wayward within us. This experience changes Saul. He proceeds to preach Christ with passion and determination. He knows Christ is real; he knows Christ is Messiah. Now, Saul will be on the other end of persecution. Yet, God will deliver him again and again to continue preaching Truth. Never give up sharing about Jesus; God is with you, too.
Acts 9:19-25 Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul stayed with the believers[a] in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”
22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers[b] lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.
Prayer: Lord, as I look back over my life I see many detours that were actually divine appointments to help me grow and develop. Thank you for causing me to see a much bigger picture of your Kingdom. May your Kingdom come and manifest on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.