A Change of Air

Acts 9:1

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord...

Acts 9:20-21

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. And all who heard him were amazed...

When Jesus meets with someone, their life is drastically changed. The air in which they live and breathe is altered visibly and permanently! Before meeting Jesus, Saul was bent on threats and murder. It was as if he saw RED at the mention of The Way, but on his way to Damascus, a blinding light flashed before him. He actually heard the voice of the One he was persecuting, and he could not resist His power. For three days and nights he was without sight and neither ate or drank. He had to be led into Damascus. His anger and hostility had been reduced to helplessness.

When God spoke to Ananias to go see Saul, he was fearful. He knew this man's reputation and the air he was known to breathe was death to believers. Yet, God told him to go that Saul was a chosen instrument of His to carry His name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For He would show him how much he must suffer for the sake of His name. Ananias obeyed and laid hands on him filling him with the Holy Spirit. And immediately the scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He was baptized, ate, and spent some days with the disciples. Then what? He began walking in the opposite direction. He began breathing God-inspired air! Instead of destroying The Way, he began preaching the The Way. Proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, he amazed all who heard. Jesus had changed the course and direction of his life. Saul increased in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. What a colossal change and miracle! Has my life changed drastically? Am I breathing and living in Jesus air? Have I left the world behind and gone in an opposite direction?

Father,

Thank You for saving me. Take my down the path that you have for me. Show me how to live, breathe, and share Jesus with every breath that I breathe.

In Jesus name,

Amen