Scripture
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Reflection
Not by coincidence, Saul is on his way to persecute members of the Way who are in reality followers of the one who called himself THE Way. (Jesus in John 14:6) Notice Jesus’ strong identification with his people. Jesus asks, “Why are you persecuting ME?” Saul was persecuting Christians but Jesus said, you are persecuting me! Jesus is with us, if it is happening to us, it is happening to Him; He knows. He said he would always be with us, Matthew 28:20; he intervened in the persecution and he intervened in the life of the persecutor. This story is not over (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- In what way do you need to be reminded Jesus is with you?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Think of someone you know who could use a little joy in their lives and pray for presence of the Lord to rest on them. “In His presence there is fullness of Joy” Psalm 16:11
