Scripture: Acts 9:4-8
He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.” Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
Thought for the Day: There are many dramatic stories within scripture, but this one rates close to the top in regard to its intensity and energy. Though I end it with vs. 8, I doubt the reader or the first listeners to this story would have said, “That’s good! I’ll wait and hear the rest later.” Saul, the enemy and persecutor of Christians had just met the living Christ, and the encounter did not consist of ugly judgement or the threat of eternal damnation. There was a question put before Saul, but I see it as a rhetorical question intended to create some real soul searching. The living Christ met Saul right where he was, but did not leave him there in fear or lostness. Instead, he was given instructions on the next step that would lead to another and another…the journey of grace and transformation had begun. Who is Jesus? He is found in the stories we read and the stories we tell, including this one about Saul who, by grace, would become the key voice of Christianity in the early church.
Prayer: I wish to know you, O Gracious Lord, beyond simple titles and anecdotal descriptions. Encourage my search to know you better today than I did yesterday. Amen.
Continuing Our Look At
The Trinity
