The Damascus road

"(4) Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"                                         Acts 9:1-19.  NKJV

Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul, was not a nice guy to come across in his earlier days, especially if you were a Christian. He persecuted Christians terribly. Acts 8:3 tells us:

'As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.'

At this time, Stephen had been stoned to death and Saul had incited the men to do this while he had Stephen's clothes at his feet. Again in Acts 9:1-2 we read:

'Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.'

He was not a nice person to come across but there was someone much bigger than him - Jesus Christ, someone he could not take on and win. Saul had set out along the road to Damascus, to carry on his persecution. All of a sudden, there was a bright light and Jesus, Himself, spoke directly to Saul, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' (V4).

Now I don't know about you, but that would have made me jump out of my skin. Saul was no different, he was trembling and astonished and answered, 'Lord, what do You want me to do.' (V6). Now at this time, many scholars agree that this was the moment of Saul's conversion, after all he asked Jesus what He wanted him to do. Saul was blinded at this time for three days and Jesus told him to go into Damascus. The men with him, led him into the city and he stayed at the house of Judas.

Further evidence, the scholars say, is the fact that Saul was praying and saw a vision of Ananias coming to lay hands on him, which happened. Ananias, although a little reluctant because of Saul's reputation, obeyed and Saul was healed and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Whatever was the exact time of Saul's conversation, he was saved and went on to be a mighty man of God and to write a big chunk of the New Testament.

The conclusion to this is,  firstly, never write off anyone who has a bad reputation. God can do wonders with anyone He chooses. There are many people we would never consider could be a great man or woman of God. We could be tempted to believe their reputations and avoid them at all costs. Jesus doesn't. He loves them.
Secondly, if Jesus leads you to someone who you feel is dodgy, trust Him. Don't go into a risky situation though, it may be helpful to take someone with you. But make sure you do it. Remember, Ananias felt just the same, but as he pressed on, a miracle happened. 

Remember, people may have avoided you at some stage in your life, I know they did me. But thank God, He didn't. We have so much to be thankful and grateful for. Give Him Praise!

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com