» ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do You want me to do?’ » (Acts 9:4—6).
THE MOST CRUEL and ruthless persecutor of the church became the most skilled defender and champion of Jesus Christ. His day turned into night, and when his sight was dimmed, Saul decisively perceived the light of the gospel.
The persecution of Jesus’s followers led many of them to take refuge in Damascus, a center of commerce located some sixty miles from the Mediterranean Sea and 150 miles northeast of Jerusalem, in the Roman province of Syria. Several trade routes connected Damascus with other cities in the Roman Empire. The Christian presence in that place was an opportunity for the expansion of Christianity and Saul went there, with authority, strength, vigor, and misguided zeal to persecute, imprison, and kill the so-called heretics.
As he was nearing the city, he was surrounded by a light from heaven stronger than the sun in all its splendor; it threw him to the ground, and a loud and powerful voice was heard, saying, «Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?» This unique experience was going to transform his life forever.
We can imagine the scene. The one whom Saul considered a blasphemer, an impostor, a false messiah, whose followers were deceived fanatics, now asks him why he was persecuting Him. Saul had imagined different entrance into Damascus, one full of honors and applause. After all, he was coming to put an end to that plague of Christianity.
Saul listened, but did not understand; he saw the light, but saw no one. He had to be led by other people and spent three days in solitude—in physical darkness, but in reflection, prayer, and repentance. In the dark, he began seeing everything clearly. He saw who he truly was, and above all, who Jesus was. Ananias, at the beginning fearful and incredulous, but ultimately faithful and obedient, was the instrument to bring Saul definitively and completely to Jesus.
Perhaps you are persecuting Jesus—consciously or unconsciously, timidly or rebelliously—with your indifference, with your instability, and with your lack of commitment. Do you think you can be done with Jesus and His message?
Whoever, even though trembling, has the courage to ask like Saul,
«Lord, what do You want me to do?» will surely receive the best answer.
The start of this year is a good time to renew your dedication and commitment to God and His Word. «None are so safe as those whom God keeps; none so much in danger as the self-secure» (Charles Spurgeon).
If you don’t believe me, ask Saul.
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Daily Devotions for Adults 2021
“HIS GRACE IS ENOUGH”
By: Bruno Raso
Collaborators: Alejandra Zavala
