August 3rd - Acts 9:3

Acts 9:3 As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Saul was a deeply committed Jew and his mission was quite simply to destroy the Church. He was acting with the authority of the high priest in Jerusalem to search out any followers of Jesus and take them as prisoners. But suddenly everything changed as he travelled on the road to Damascus. A brilliant light flashed around him and he heard a voice asking: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v 4). Saul was familiar enough with the scriptures to know that this must be God, and he asked: “Who are you, Lord?” The reply was not the one he wanted to hear. He was sure there was nothing in this new-fangled Jesus religion. How shocked he must have been to hear the voice saying: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” We know the rest. We know that this moment changed everything. Saul’s life was turned upside down and inside out. He would never be the same again, and neither would the Church. Most of us will never have had an experience quite like Saul’s. If you have, I am delighted for you and praise God for this blessing, but for most people, coming to faith in Christ is a slow and gradual process which often takes place over a number of years through spending time with Christians and learning more about God. Whether your experience has been sudden or gradual, meeting with God is a miracle, and we need to praise Him for it. Question How did you come to faith in Christ? Prayer Dear Lord, thank you that You meet with me in all sorts of ways, and that You want to walk with me today. Amen