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 Acts 9      English Standard Version (ESV)

The Conversion of Saul

¹ But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. ⁴ And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶ But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” ⁷ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.⁸ Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

¹⁰ Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” ¹¹ And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, ¹² and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” ¹³ But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” ¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ¹⁷ So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; ¹⁹ and taking food, he was strengthened.

 

REFLECTION:

• This is the beginning of Saul’s new life in Christ. The focus of this marvelous experience is Jesus Christ.  Saul not only saw a vision, he personally met the risen Christ (vv4-5). He recognized that Jesus was the Son of God and changed the direction of his life. True repentance came through a personal encounter with Jesus, and when a relationship with Jesus was established and new life began.
• Recall your encounter with Jesus: how you acknowledged Jesus as your Lord, repent your sin, gave your life to Jesus, determined to live an obedient life, established a personal relationship with Jesus and began a new life.
• Think back to what your life was like before you met Christ. Thank God for the transformation that He has made in your life—both your instant rebirth into His kingdom and the gradual remolding of your character since then.
• Dedicate yourself to God once again to live an obedient life for God.

 

PRAYER:

Father in Heaven, how marvelous is the changing of seasons in the world! Year after year, we are accustomed to seeing trees covered in snow and leaves fallen, only to see them sprout tender buds and bloom beautiful flowers in spring. Who can open their eyes and witness Your works, and testify to Your greatness in the cycles of nature? You are the source of all life, and the Lord of all living beings! Without Your permission, not even a single leaf or petal would fall to the ground. Generations come and go, and You continue to work wonders in the lives of people. You raise up countless seekers after You, renewing their lives, so that they may bear a better witness for You. Your love endures forever, and Your grace is passed down to all generations! Father in Heaven, how grateful I am for Your marvelous works in my life, making me like a tree planted before You, bearing many flowers and fruits. In the morning, at sunset, in every clear moonlit night with twinkling stars, Your grace and love abound in the passing moments of time around me. I deeply know that without Your permission, not even a single hair of mine would fall to the ground. I desire to look up to You, rely on You, and submit to You alone. I pray that You continue to renew my life, and that I may live in this way until the moment I see Your face. Amen!

 

HYMN:

Reign In Us – youtu.be/4X40xuxy9Os