SAUL SEES THE LIGHT: THE PERSECUTOR OF THE CHURCH BLINDED BY A GREAT LIGHT!

Damascus:  An amazing thing happened to a nasty man named Saul. He was greatly feared for his atrocities toward the people from the church. Back in Jerusalem, he used to beat them and drag them to prisons to be tortured. His heart cared for no one except for his pride in obeying the laws of his religion. He was very close to the high priest of his religion. Once, Saul asked him to grant an approval for him to capture the Christians who fled to Damascus, a city far away from Jerusalem. He was very persistent in persecuting them. More amazingly, the Christians were not angry with him. Instead they prayed for him. they believed the Creator God is stronger than anyone in this world.

While Saul was travelling to Damascus to persecute them, he saw a powerful glaring light. It was so magnificent, shining form above the clouds that Saul and his companions were thrown off their horses. Then a powerful voice started to thunder from where the light came. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” the voice said. Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Saul was spellbound and sat on the ground in utter disbelief. Was he wrong in turning against the people who believed in Jesus? Was Jesus alive as the Christians claimed Him to be? Question after question pounded in his confused mind.

He wanted to look at the light again just to see if it was still there but he could not see a thing. He realised then that he was blind!

His companion did not know the meaning of the light and the voice. They led him to a house in Straight Street near here and quickly ran off.

One of the disciples of Jesus named Ananias was called by God to go to him. He was a bit hesitant due to this notorious man and his fervour in persecuting the Christians.

He obeyed the Lord Jesus. He went to the house where Saul stayed and prayed for him. Instantly, Saul was healed of his blindness. He then told Saul what Jesus had done for him.

Finally, the truth was revealed to Saul in a miraculous way. Today, he knows that Jesus is his risen Saviour and Lord. He is still shaking his head at the wonderful mercy of Jesus for giving him a chance even though he was murderous in dealing with God’s people.

And so is Ananias. He cannot comprehend how God is so compassionate and loving in saving Saul.

No matter how bad a person may be, God is able to change him. – PS BIBLE News

REFLECTION

Another powerful story from the Bible! It is found in the book of Acts chapter nine. God can change a murderous and unmerciful man into a beautiful saint. How true! After Saul was saved by the Lord Jesus, he went to his own people, who once were together with him persecuting the Christians, to tell them about the Saviour, Jesus. What an amazing turnaround! Have you experienced it yourself? If not, why not let Jesus add colour to your life?

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10b

The main reason for Jesus to come to this earth is to save mankind from their sins. Sin in this world has clouded mankind from seeing the true colours of life through God’s eyes. Jesus loves us so much and he could not bear to see us going through life in doubts, disappointments, despair and finally towards destruction. He came so that our life could be full of happiness, hope and love. We can see clearly now the way that leads us to Heaven and towards ultimate joy with Jesus as our living Saviour.

Therefore, let us walk in His way and follow His commands. Some people do not have joy in God because they choose not to follow Jesus and do what He says. That’s why there are still millions of people living in darkness and despair. The good news is that many people too, have taken the right step to follow Jesus. They have found the joy that they never had before in Jesus. Have you?