On the Road to Damascus, Driven to Persecute

Acts 9:1-9, NKJV

Saul was “still breathing threats and murder” against those who walked in the Way of the Lord. He was so driven to persecute the church that he asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues of Damascus. He intended to arrest and bound Christians in chains and bring them to Jerusalem for punishment. 

As Saul traveled, coming near to Damascus, he had a blinding encounter with Jesus, whose light shone around him from heaven (v.3). He fell to the ground and heard the voice of the Lord ask him why he was persecuting 

Him (v.4). Saul pursued and harassed Christians probably never thinking he actually persecuted Christ until he heard the voice of Jesus. When we’ve been lied on, abused, criticized, and etc.: “Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward – the crown of life that God has promised those who love him” (James 1:12).   

Saul, trembling and astonished, asked the Lord what He wanted him to do. The Lord told him to arise and go into the city, where he would be told what he must do (v.6). The men with him stood speechless; they heard a voice but did not see anyone (v.7). Saul arose as commanded; he opened his eyes but was blind and did not see any man. So, they led him by the hand into Damascus (v.8). He experienced three days of blindness, and a three-day fast (v.9).

Decide today to get off the road to Damascus; stop persecuting Christ! Clap your hands and shout, “Glory!”