Paul (Saul)

November 18

Acts 9:1-9

A voice from heaven

As more and more people heard the message of Jesus and believed, Saul (who hated Christians) asked the high priest for letters to make it easier for him to arrest the Christians in Damascus.

While Saul was on his way to the city of Damascus, a bright light flashed from the sky. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul. Why are you persecuting Me?”

“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice replied. “Go to the city where you will be shown what to do.”

Saul got up from the ground, but he couldn’t see a thing. He was completely blind. So the men who were with Saul took him by the hand and led him to the city of Damascus where he spent three days without food and water.

Why do some people hate Christians?

Do you think it would matter to a stranger living in another town that you read your Bible and believe in Jesus?

Why did Saul spend so much time and energy hurting Christians who were just minding their own business? In fact, the Christians were doing good: helping poor people, healing the sick, and spreading the Good News of God’s love.

These Christians were taking the Light of Jesus into the dark (sinful) parts of the world. Saul’s problem was that their message of Light was also showing up the sin and wrong motives in his heart. Jesus said, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” John 3:20. We should not be surprised when the Light of Jesus, which shines in our lives, shows up the sin in the hearts of unbelievers and makes them feel guilty and angry.

Verse for today

Jesus said, “No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also...” John 15:20