Saul Meets Jesus

A few days ago, I was doing my devotions starting with 1 Thessalonians.  It started with Grace and Peace to you.  Then I started wondering how many of Paul’s Epistles start with Grace, Peace, or Mercy.  All the first chapters of Paul’s letters start with Grace, Peace, or Mercy within the first seven verses.  Most within the first 3 verses.  The natural thing to wonder is how many end with Grace, Peace, or Mercy. All of them except Romans & Hebrews. Paul in Romans mentions Peace, Grace, or Mercy once in verse 20; and Hebrews ends with God’s Grace.

Do we just overlook what seems to be repetition on Paul’s part?  Or skim over it?  Or is Paul thinking of something else?  I believe Paul was intentional in all he did. Jesus meant everything to him starting with the Damascus Road event.  This was the beginning of his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Let me remind you where Saul meets up with Jesus Christ in Acts 9. Saul keeps kicking the donkey to get him to move.  The donkey can’t move. Because Jesus is blocking the way. 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.”

⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸

 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, they led him by the hand into Damascus.  I must add a note here. Can you imagine one of the most powerful men in the kingdom, being led by hand to Damascus?

I’ve heard people say that they wanted the Damascus Road event in their lives.  I strongly disagree.  This is the place where Jesus Christ gets Saul’s attention.  It is like knocking your kids upside the head to get them to listen!  (Not literally) It is NOT where Saul is forgiven and transformed.  Hope I didn’t burst your bubble.

¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.

I wanted to remind you that Ananias did not want to go see Saul.   Who could blame him?  But God said Saul is my chosen instrument. I can imagine what Ananias is thinking.  Why wouldn’t he be frightened?

¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This is the real excitement.   Ananias lays hands on Saul (powerful) and prays for him.  This is where Saul is transformed.  This is life changing.  Paul never gets over what Jesus did for him. I don’t think I will either.  Personally, when I get to Heaven, I would love to interview the donkey and Paul together.

Blessings to you,

Pastor Wanda