This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
As we begin this new year we are continuing with our studies in Acts; we have seen how the Holy Spirit is setting the church afire. So far the church has grown in Jerusalem and surrounding areas amongst the Jewish people. Now for an event which will shake this up and take the Good News to the ends of the earth and, radically, to the Gentiles.
This month we are on the road to Damascus with Saul for one of the most well-known events in scripture; so much so that “Damascus road experiences” and “the scales fell from my eyes” are well used phrases even by people who don’t know the origins of them.
We know this is a very important event by the fact the story is relayed in Acts by Luke 3 times and then referred to multiple times by Paul himself in his letters.
Read Acts 9:1-31 together.
Now read the shorter versions in Acts 22:4-16 and 26:12-18.
This is the story of Saul receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour, radically changing his relationships and outlook on the world. As a good Jew he already knew God the father, Yahweh, and the holy spirit from the scriptures and rabbinic teachings, but this is a step change.
What did he come to understand? See Act 9:20 and 9:22
Think back to the time you accepted Jesus as Lord, was it sudden and dramatic? Or more of a gradual eye opening?
Although Saul’s acceptance seems sudden, if you look back you can see it had a gradual beginning. As a Jew, visiting the temple in Jerusalem, he would have been aware of Jesus during his earthly ministry. Were they ever in the temple at the same time? Saul certainly knew about him. He would have been aware of Jesus’ death. And of the stories of resurrection. Stephen witnessed to him (Acts 8:1). Was he so angry and hateful to the followers of Jesus who knew they were saved by grace exactly because he was aware he could not perfectly keep the law and save himself? So, Saul accepting Jesus was the climax of a process that had been going on for years.
Return to your own situation. How was your conversion? If you are still on the journey and not quite made that commitment yet, don’t worry, keep reading and praying and talking to people.
Saul had flashing lights, voices from heaven and miracles of blinding and healing; did you have a dramatic moment? Not many of us do but that doesn’t mean the change of heart is any less dramatic. We all go from denying and persecuting Jesus to accepting and loving him, even if it isn’t as obvious to others as Saul’s behaviour.
Praise God for his mercy and grace to us all.
The road to Damascus brought Saul salvation but it was only the beginning. God’s sanctifying work still takes a lifetime. Saul was not made perfect on that road but just started on the next stage of his journey with Jesus.
Where are you on your journey? Discuss together. Saul needed friends and support throughout his life encouraging and teaching him and so do we.