“And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).
TEXT — Acts 9:1-9
Message
Transformational experiences are not usually conventional. Often, they are queer and peculiar. They are equally life-long and decisive. Saul was walking down a familiar road, filled with purpose and determination when he was struck by an overwhelming force that changed his life forever. One moment, he was confident in his mission; the next, he was lying helpless, blinded by a light brighter than the sun. His experience was dramatic and life-altering on the road to Damascus—a moment that transformed him from a fierce persecutor of Christians into one of the greatest apostles of Christ ever.
In our text, Saul, a zealous Pharisee, was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest, authorising him to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. He was determined to crush what he saw as a dangerous movement. However, as he neared Damascus, a blinding light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Terrified and confused, Saul asked “Who art thou, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest.” This divine encounter left Saul blind for three days. Led by his companions, he arrived Damascus, where he neither ate nor drank, awaiting further direction. This experience humbled him, preparing him for a complete transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted disciple of Christ.
From today’s text, it is clear that God can save the vilest of sinners. Saul was an unlikely candidate for salvation, yet Jesus chose him. This teaches us that no one is beyond redemption. No matter how far someone has strayed, God’s grace is powerful enough to bring about transformation. Saul’s encounter with Jesus altered the course of his life. True faith is not just about religious knowledge but about a personal relationship with Christ. Another important lesson is that just as Saul was physically blinded, many today are spiritually blind and are unable to see the truth of God’s love. Only through divine revelation can a sincere seeker truly understand our purpose in Christ.
Believers have the utmost duty to preach the gospel to all and sundry, regardless of how far they have strayed. God’s abundant grace is always available to save all who come to Jesus with a penitent heart.
.
Thought for the day
If the Lord could save and use a persecuting sinner, He will easily save a plain sinner who comes to Him.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
This is touching. More annointing