Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 9:6, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
There are no doubt many who strive to follow Jesus who, in their struggles and times of weakness, wish that they could have or would have had an experience with Jesus like Saul had. They suppose that if they had such an encounter where a bright light and voice from heaven appeared out of nowhere and drove them to the ground, blinded them for three days, and gave them mysterious instructions, then they would have the kind of faith and witness that the apostle Paul went on to have, rather than a faith that struggles with sin and doubt and seasons of dryness. In fact, I’m sure many non-believers would say that if God showed up for them like He did for Saul, then they would be the strongest defenders and loudest proclaimers of the gospel. Well, we know that Saul’s conversion experience is not just the exception, it’s practically one of a kind. But interestingly enough, what occurred on that road to Damascus is not so rare. In fact, it’s likely that no real life-saving change to follow Jesus ever takes place without these two aspects.
First, Saul fell to the ground. More precisely, he was driven to the ground. The presence of the Almighty God, in both light and sound, took the arrogant, venomous, violent Saul and turned him into a humble, powerless, helpless convict lying face down at the mercy of the God who held his life in His hands. In that moment, Saul’s former life died and he became a new man. Regardless of the mechanics and dramatics, your life must have gone at some point from upright and proud to doubled over and humble, in need of mercy and grace. And second, Saul was to be told what to do. It is without argument that Jesus is Lord. And as Lord, He has all the right to tell His subjects what they must do. Saul immediately knew and accepted that, and it directed his every step until his death. And if you truly love and follow Jesus, you accept and honor His loving demands of you. But many there are who derail at this point. They want a Savior, but not a Master. Being told what to do and not do, especially from an ancient book or some man on Sunday mornings, is more than their habits or desires can take. But there really is no other way. The conversion of Saul must be ours as well.
As we seek Him today, bow before the King who lovingly and wisely directs your way.
Have a dynamic Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
