Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Ever hear someone say… I need to do a 180? They mean I need to turn 180 degrees and go the opposite way. The conversion of Saul is a dramatic and profound 180. At the very time he was seeking to persecute Christians and to stop this new “Way” and teaching of Jesus, he has an encounter that turns him 180 degrees. This is the power of God and His Spirit working upon a life. Its interesting to me that at least two other Christians were significant at this conversion moment… Ananias whom God used to heal Saul, and Barnabas who encouraged the other believers that it was real and not a plot.
Who in my circle of influence needs a 180 turn from their own ways to God’s way? How can I be a Ananias or Barnabas?
God, what a great morning. Today I have some very special opportunities to speak with Your people. Help me make the scriptures exciting and alive. Touch hearts. Use pastor Chuck’s message and sermon in a powerful way, even as You did last night.
