June 21st - Acts 9:3

Be Still and Know Daily Bible Devotion

Acts 9:3 As [Saul] was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. Saul was a deeply committed Jew and his mission was to destroy the Church. He was acting with the authority of the High Priest in Jerusalem and his task was to search out any followers of Jesus and take them as prisoners. But suddenly everything changed as he travelled on the road to Damascus. A brilliant light flashed around him and he heard a voice asking, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” (v4). Saul knew the scriptures well enough to know that this must be God so he asked: “Who are you, Lord?” (v5) The reply was not the one he wanted to hear. He was sure that there was nothing in this new-fangled Jesus religion. How shocked he must have been to hear the voice saying: “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.” This moment changed everything. Saul’s life was turned upside down and inside out. He would never be the same again and neither would the Church. But let’s spend a moment longer thinking about this Damascus Road experience. I have heard many people saying that they regret not having a miraculous conversion like Saul’s. But such experiences are extremely rare. Perhaps God confronted Saul in this way because he knew it was the only way to get through to him. For most of us, the process of coming to faith in God is far less dramatic. God comes to us amid the ordinary everyday rhythm of life. He speaks to us on a country walk, in a sermon, as we read the Bible or speak with a friend. There is nothing dramatic about it – apart from the fact that God meets with us – what an amazing miracle! Question How have you met with God yet? If so, how did that happen? Prayer Dear Lord, thank you that you meet with me in all sorts of ways, and that you want to walk with me today. Amen