Saul was an outstanding young man. He had advanced in religion beyond many of his own age, “and was extremely zealous for the traditions” of the fathers. (Galatians 1:14.) Anyone who knew him would have been convinced that he was 100% for God - but God did not think that! (Luke 18:18-27.)
Saul had no doubts about being on the right way. He believed he was fulfilling the religion God had handed down to them. But how was he to know that God was not pleased with him?
Saul “went to the High Priest and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus”. (verses 1-2.) He was planning to go there to seek out, and arrest, some who were no longer practicing the religion and traditions of the fathers. Saul wanted to put an end to a new faith, that claimed that the words and teachings of Jesus Christ were more important than the traditions of men. (John 12:48. 1stPeter 1:18-19.)
They were known as the “followers of the Way of the Lord”. (verse 2.)
I wonder how YOU react to those today who claim to become followers of the Lord Jesus, and who perhaps call themselves “born-again Christians”. (John 3:3-7,16-18.) Would you be against them, as Saul was?
“As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute Me?’
‘Who are You, Lord?’ he asked.
‘I AM Jesus, whom you persecute’, the voice said. ‘But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.’” (verses 4-6.)
Would Saul be interested in finding out more about this Jesus, whom he was fighting against? Will he respond to this voice of Jesus from heaven?
Saul was blinded by this experience, and the men who were travelling with him led him into Damascus. (verse 7.) “For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything.” (v:9.)
I think it was then he realised that really, he already had been blind to the truth for many years! All his religious works and efforts had NOT made him acceptable to God, as he had been taught they would! And his anger against true “born again” Christians had really been anger against GOD!
How could he have been so blind not to see this before?
Although his eyes had now become blind, yet in his heart he was beginning to SEE, and to realise he had been fighting against the right way.
He made his discovery before it was too late. Don’t you be in the dark about the right way to God. ONLY JESUS CAN FORGIVE YOUR SINS AND BRING YOU TO GOD. Turn to Him alone just now and trust Him to forgive and save you. (John 14:6. 1stTimothy 2:5-6)
Read Acts chapter 9, verses 1-9.
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