“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’

 ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked.

 ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’“
Acts 9:1-6

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JANUARY 6, 2025

Saul was a terrorist. He was infuriated by the heretical sect that had sprung up in Jerusalem and was now spreading like a cancer. Saul was willing to use any means to eliminate this cult, including imprisoning and executing those who called on the name of Jesus.

His plans were laid. Having obtained necessary letters from the High Priest, Saul set out to wreak havoc upon any Jews who belonged to the Way in Damascus. He was convinced he was serving God through violent persecution of the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.

Then, as he neared Damascus, Saul was struck blind by a bright light.

Can you imagine how Saul felt as he was confronted? “Why do you persecute me?” Saul realized he was hearing the voice of the living God, whom he addressed as “Lord.” Was he hit with a sinking feeling of foreboding? Did he immediately think of those whom he had relentlessly attacked?

Then Saul heard the words, “I am Jesus.”

The gospel is wholly dependent upon the identity of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus. Only the Son of God could accomplish what Saul needed and what you and I also need, what all of creation needs: the incarnation of God, the redemption that comes from God.

Jesus confronted Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul was heading in the wrong direction, and Jesus intervened in a dramatic way. You and I were probably not blinded by a bright light from heaven, nor is it likely that we heard the voice of the Lord. Still, Jesus got our attention. In His goodness, God opened our eyes to see Jesus. We have a Savior who came to earth as a human, to show us the way to the Father, the way to life abundant and eternal.

The fact is, we are all unlikely converts.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • When and how did Jesus meet you?
  • What changes in your thinking and lifestyle resulted?
  • Review your story in light of these truths. Where could there be opportunities to tell your story in this new year?

 

Church Reading Plan: Genesis 6; Matthew 6