Tag: Psalm 38:9-10
Paul’s personal encounter with Jesus.
Scripture reading for February 22nd: Acts 22, Psalm 38, Proverbs 7
Acts 22:6-11 “”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.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and come into Damascus.”
The fierce Pharisee and persecutor of followers of Jesus was on his own way to Damascus with letters of authority to round up followers of Christ. God knew Paul’s heart and had plans to him. On the road in broad daylight, a great light shone around Paul and he was knocked off his horse to the ground. A voice, the Lord Jesus, spoke a question to him, speaking his name twice for emphasis. Paul responded with a question: “Who are Your, Lord?” Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and told him he was really persecuting Him. Paul’s next question: “What shall I do?” Jesus’ instructions were to go into Damascus and wait for further instructions. Paul was led by the hand because the bright light had left him without sight. God was revealing to Paul the darkness of sin in his life and the path of ‘Light’ in Jesus.
Psalm 38:9-10 “O Lord, all my longing is before You; my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes–it also has gone from me.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your patience with those who are sincerely misguided and under the control of darkness. Use me to help people in that state to find answers to “Who are You, Lord?” and “What shall I do?” Thank You for revealing Your Son’s identity, Jesus the Christ, to me and calling me to follow Jesus and shepherd Your people under Your master leadership. Let Your light shine brightly in me.
Proverbs 7:1 “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; . . “