Blinded so he might see Jesus!
Scripture reading for November 7: Acts 8-9
The first 11 chapters of Acts are primarily centered around the life of Peter and his ministry to the Jews around Jerusalem. Chapter 9 gives the account of Saul, a zealous Pharisee, who was a persecutor of the early church and was bent on protecting Judaism and eliminating disciples of Jesus. He is spoken of first as one who gave approval of those who stoned Stephen. (Acts 8:1)
“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked 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. So get up and go into the city and you will be told what you what you must do.” Acts 9:1-6
Saul had been hunting down disciples, having them arrested and in some cases put to death. As he traveled on a mission to Damascus, Jesus met him personally. The light of His glory threw Saul to the ground and blinded him. Jesus asked him a simple question, revealing that when anyone persecutes one of Jesus’ followers, He feels it personally! Saul was addressed by first name. Jesus knows each person by name and knows all about who they are. He has plans for those who will be teachable and repent.
Thankfully, Saul repented during the period of blindness lasting three days. God sent a disciple named Ananias to lay hands on Saul to receive his sight back. Ananias was initially afraid of Saul because of his reputation, but God revealed that Saul was His chosen instrument to reach the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15-16) After he was healed and baptized, Saul began to preach the Gospel in the very synagogues that he had come initially to hunt Christians in! What a difference an encounter with Jesus makes!
Paul’s ministry is the subject of Acts 12-28, and he tells his testimony of this ‘Jesus encounter’ several times. Saul became the Apostle Paul who would be a great missionary to the Gentiles and write thirteen New Testament books. His “Jesus encounter” is still being talked and written about over 1900 years later! Many other “sinners” have found Christ through his amazing life-altering encounter with Jesus!
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