Tag: Acts 22:6-10
“Who are You, Lord?”
Scripture reading for June 4: Acts 22
“”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.” Acts 22:6-10
Have you ever noticed how many questions there are in Scriptures? By one estimate, there are 183 questions in the Gospels alone. This is because God wants us to think and evaluate the answers so that we might chose to change our minds willingly. In this testimony of Paul, he again recounts his earlier life as a devout Jew who persecuted Christ’s followers. He was on his way to Damascus with arrest warrants for believers there when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, then called Saul. A light shone around him and a voice asked him a penetrating question. He was addressed by name, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Paul (Saul) responded with another question: “Who are You, Lord?” Although Paul knew about Jesus Christ, he did not know Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted personal relationship. This conversation, although heard clearly by Paul, was not understood by those with him. As Paul processed this information, he must have come quickly to the conclusion that his world view of Jesus Christ was in error. His persecution of Christ’s followers was actually a persecution and rejection of Jesus! “What shall I do, Lord?” was the humble request of a heart changed! The result of this bright revelation of Jesus was blindness in Paul, needing to be led by the hand. He obediently followed to Damascus, awaiting instructions.
Have you ever been convinced something was true and found out that it definitely was not? Has a question ever caused you to think more deeply and reflect on your direction? What question would you have for Jesus if He appeared to you?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for desiring personal relationships with each of Your children. It is comforting to know that You ask us questions to help us find truth. Help me, as a teacher of Your Word to ask questions that probe the heart and draw people to Your Word and Jesus. Amen.
Jesus reveals His plans by His Presence!
Scripture reading for May 13th: 2nd Samuel 3-5, 1st Chronicles 12, Psalm 122, Acts 22
Key Scriptures: Acts 22:6-10 “”As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You Lord?’ and He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, Whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the One Who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'”
Paul was intent on finding Christ’s followers and locking them up. But Jesus met him and changed his plans. The risen and exalted Jesus confronted Paul in a great flash of light that knocked him to the ground. As he asked who Jesus was, Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and gave him instructions for the next steps needed on a new journey with new objectives. He would now work with Jesus, Son of David, Son of God and other Christ followers to share the Gospel he once berated and extend the peace of Jerusalem.
Psalm 122:6 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!”
Faith confession and prayer: I am thankful that Jesus confronted me with who He is: Lord and Savior! I have committed myself to preach His Gospel of repentance and faith to all He directs me to. Lord fill me with Your love and the Holy Spirit.
2nd Samuel 5:10 “And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of Hosts, was with Him.”
Thankful for God’s Assignments!
Scripture reading for November 15th: Acts 20-23
Key Scriptures: Acts 22:6-10 “”About noon as I (Paul) came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute Me?’ “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of Him who was speaking to me. “”What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked? “‘Get up’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.'”
Paul shared his testimony of his own personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Paul was on his way to Damascus with warrants to arrest followers of Jesus. Jesus confronted him, and Paul was struck with blindness from the light of Christ’s glory. Paul was told to go into Damascus and there he would be told what God had assigned him to do! After his healing and conversion, Paul had his work laid out for him! God has plans for all His people!
God’s amazing plans: “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” (Jeremiah 1:4-8)