Word for the day Christian Education Forum
Jesus Christ- The Lord and God.
Acts 9:1-18
Vs 5 Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Devotional text
Vs 5 Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
Devotional text
Acts 9 recounts a dramatic encounter that significantly impacted the spread of Christianity. Saul, a zealous Pharisee and relentless persecutor of Jesus' followers, undergoes a life-altering experience on the road to Damascus. This passage not only tells the story of Saul's conversion but also offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus Christ.
The scene opens with Saul, brimming with hostility to arrest believers in Damascus. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn. A brilliant light flashes from heaven, knocking Saul to the ground. Blinded, he hears a voice questioning, "Saul, Saul, why This question is a pivotal moment. The voice identifies itself as Jesus, shattering any lingering doubts about Jesus' resurrection. Saul, addressing the voice as "Lord," acknowledges Jesus' authority in a way that reserves the term for deity. This exchange is a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine status. Saul, the persecutor, is confronted by the very Christ he sought to destroy.
Led into Damascus, Saul remains blind for three days, a period of reflection and spiritual transformation. The Lord then appears to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to visit Saul. Ananias is apprehensive, understandably wary of the notorious persecutor. But the Lord reassures him, revealing that Saul is now a "chosen instrument" to carry the gospel message to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel.
Ananias finds Saul and, laying hands on him, restores his sight. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul is baptized and becomes Paul, a fervent preacher of the faith he once opposed. This transformation signifies the power of God's grace. Even a hardened opponent like Saul can be radically transformed by encountering the risen Christ.
Paul's conversion serves as a cornerstone for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus' Lordship and divinity. Saul's encounter and his immediate recognition of Jesus as "Lord" leave no room for doubt about Jesus' divine nature. Secondly, the passage showcases the immense power of God's grace. Even the most ardent opponent can be transformed by encountering the risen Christ. Finally, this event marks a turning point for Christianity. With Paul as a passionate advocate, the gospel message begins to reach beyond the boundaries of Judaism, paving the way for a global faith.
In conclusion, Acts 9:1-18 is a transformative story that illuminates Jesus' power and divinity. It offers a compelling message of hope and redemption, showcasing how even the most resistant hearts can be touched by God's transforming grace.
The scene opens with Saul, brimming with hostility to arrest believers in Damascus. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn. A brilliant light flashes from heaven, knocking Saul to the ground. Blinded, he hears a voice questioning, "Saul, Saul, why This question is a pivotal moment. The voice identifies itself as Jesus, shattering any lingering doubts about Jesus' resurrection. Saul, addressing the voice as "Lord," acknowledges Jesus' authority in a way that reserves the term for deity. This exchange is a powerful revelation of Jesus' divine status. Saul, the persecutor, is confronted by the very Christ he sought to destroy.
Led into Damascus, Saul remains blind for three days, a period of reflection and spiritual transformation. The Lord then appears to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to visit Saul. Ananias is apprehensive, understandably wary of the notorious persecutor. But the Lord reassures him, revealing that Saul is now a "chosen instrument" to carry the gospel message to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel.
Ananias finds Saul and, laying hands on him, restores his sight. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul is baptized and becomes Paul, a fervent preacher of the faith he once opposed. This transformation signifies the power of God's grace. Even a hardened opponent like Saul can be radically transformed by encountering the risen Christ.
Paul's conversion serves as a cornerstone for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes Jesus' Lordship and divinity. Saul's encounter and his immediate recognition of Jesus as "Lord" leave no room for doubt about Jesus' divine nature. Secondly, the passage showcases the immense power of God's grace. Even the most ardent opponent can be transformed by encountering the risen Christ. Finally, this event marks a turning point for Christianity. With Paul as a passionate advocate, the gospel message begins to reach beyond the boundaries of Judaism, paving the way for a global faith.
In conclusion, Acts 9:1-18 is a transformative story that illuminates Jesus' power and divinity. It offers a compelling message of hope and redemption, showcasing how even the most resistant hearts can be touched by God's transforming grace.
Prayer
Dear Lord make us like Paul, instruments of your peace, spreading your word with courage and conviction. Guide us to use our gifts and callings for your glory, just as you chose Paul to become a mighty apostle.
Thought for the Day
Even the most hardened hearts can be softened by Jesus' love and grace. Jesus desires a relationship with all people, and he offers forgiveness and purpose to those who turn to him
Anish Thomas
Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington
Dear Lord make us like Paul, instruments of your peace, spreading your word with courage and conviction. Guide us to use our gifts and callings for your glory, just as you chose Paul to become a mighty apostle.
Thought for the Day
Even the most hardened hearts can be softened by Jesus' love and grace. Jesus desires a relationship with all people, and he offers forgiveness and purpose to those who turn to him
Anish Thomas
Mar Thoma Church of Greater Washington