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 9:3-6
The account of Saul’s experience on the Damascus Road is one of the greatest conversion stories of the Bible. Here is a man on his way to stamp out this new sect that follows Jesus, believing it to be a threat to his religious heritage. He is completely changed by his encounter with Christ, and becomes one of the most prolific evangelists of his time.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have such a conversation with Jesus? Well, maybe not the blinding, and perhaps not getting sent to every settlement all over, often beaten, sometimes imprisoned. Saul who became known as Paul suffered much for Christ and His ministry after his conversion. Are we ready and willing to do as much if asked?
We often want the experience without the responsibility that goes with it, but Jesus doesn’t work that way. If we call Him Lord and claim to be His followers, we must be ready to do what we are asked and endure the opposition that will surely come from earthly powers.
Lord of all, we are weak and self focused. We want the benefits without the work. Help us to see that Your call on our lives will not be easy, but by turning from evil and returning to You, we can be saved, and be part of Your work in eternity. Amen.