The Damascus road
Today's focusSaul, breathing threats against the church, is stopped by a light from heaven and the voice of Jesus; no one is beyond the reach of grace.
Read
1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Reflection
Saul began his journey "breathing out threatenings and slaughter" against the followers of Jesus. He was so determined to stop "this way" that he sought official letters to arrest both "men or women" and bring them bound to Jerusalem. You may sometimes feel that certain people are too far gone, or perhaps you worry that your own past mistakes make you unreachable. Yet, this passage shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Even while Saul was actively pursuing his own way, a "light from heaven" suddenly shined around him.
When Jesus speaks, he asks, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" In this moment, the one who was full of threats becomes "trembling and astonished." Saul’s strength is replaced by a humble question: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Though he was blinded and had to be "led by the hand" into the city, his life was completely interrupted by mercy. This reminds you that God can meet anyone exactly where they are—even in the middle of their opposition—to bring light into their darkness.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Is there someone you think is beyond God's reach, or a part of your own past you think God could not redeem?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you met Saul when he was far from you. Thank you that no one is beyond your grace. Meet those I love who seem far from you.