Acts 9:1-19
But Saul, still
breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the
high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that
if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them
bound to Jerusalem.
As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and
suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul,
Saul, why do you persecute me?"
He said, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am
Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you
must do."
The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but
seeing no one.
Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no
one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord
said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold, it's me,
Lord."
The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of
Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,
and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying
his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this
man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.
Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on
your name."
But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen
vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of
Israel.
For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's
sake."
Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him,
he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which
you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the
Holy Spirit."
Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received
his sight. He arose and was baptized. He took food and was strengthened. Saul
stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.
Insight- Saul, in his arrogance wanted to persecute believers in Jesus
Christ even more and asked for letters from the high priest to go to Damascus
and bring to Jerusalem them who had accepted Jesus as Savior, but he was struck
down by God outside Damascus and became blind for three days. God sent a man
named Ananias to lay hands on Saul so that he may receive his sight and be
commissioned to proclaim Jesus Christ among the nations. Saul recieved his
sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid his hands on him.
He was baptized and took food and was strengthened.
Question- Can God change the hearts of even the worst of sinners? Is
there someone you know who is hard hearted and rejects the Gospel? Do you
believe God can bring a change in his/her life? Think about it.
Prayer- Dear Father in heaven, help me to believe that you can
transform the lives of people who are hard hearted and arrogant because you are
all powerful. In Jesus name. Amen.
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