Conversion

Acts 9:15-16

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. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."

Saul the persecutor of the Way was taking men or women bound to Jerusalem. Someone powerful [like Saul] who is sold out for his cause is someone to be feared. And Saul was that person. But on the road to Damascus Saul met someone who was more powerful than he was. He was taken down to the ground [a place where he was defenseless] by a flashing light from heaven and a voice speaking to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" Even though Saul was unsure about who was speaking to him, he knew it was someone powerful enough to be called Lord. The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  Saul must have been unbelievably shocked. The very one whom he was persecuting had him on the ground. Now the tables were turned. Jesus continued to say, But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." Saul's life was no longer his own. When Saul got up from the ground, he was blind to the degree that he had to be led everywhere. For 3 days he did not see, eat, or drink. I imagine his thoughts were turned to Jesus, the one who had impacted his life in such a supernatural way. 

At the same time the Lord spoke to Ananias. He was told to go to a street named straight at the home of Judas and find Saul for he was there praying. I'm sure Ananias' mind was whirling. This man was the great persecutor of the church. He was known as a man of no mercy whatsoever and who had the backing of the chief priests. But the Lord reassured him and gave him specific instructions. "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."  So Ananias obeyed and followed the directions. Laying his hands on Saul 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." Saul had gained the status of brother! He was now a follower of the Way! Immediately the scales fell from his eyes and he could see. Being a man of action he went and was baptized. He ate and was strengthened and spent days with the disciples at Damascus. Saul did not have to think it over. He did not make a pro and con list. His life was instantly transformed. The direction of his life was now going in an opposite direction. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God." I can imagine the stir that this caused in Damascus and in Jerusalem. 

Even though it doesn't record it in the passage, Ananias must have told Saul what the Lord had said to him about his life. He would be a chosen instrument to carry the name of Jesus to the Gentiles, to kings, and to Israel. Not only that but his life would be one of suffering. All this before he really had begun his ministry. He is the example of the servant of God who follows in his masters footsteps. Just as Jesus was persecuted, maligned, beaten, and crucified, yet would draw many hearts to Himself. So Saul would be persecuted, maligned, beaten, stoned, and executed, yet would lead many hearts to new life in Christ. Even though Paul was shown specifically what he would suffer, I am told in the word that I will suffer for Jesus. My mission and ministry must follow Jesus' life and learn specifics from Paul's life. 

Father,

Salvation is a glorious thing to behold. I thank You for mine. Lord, use me as You want. I am Your servant.

In Jesus name,

Amen