Acts 9:1-9

Chapter 9

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s
disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues
in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether
men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared
Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He
fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute
me?” 5”Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6”Now get up and
go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but
did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he
could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he
was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Meditation:
1. This is the beginning of Saul’s new life in Christ. The focus of this marvelous
experience is Jesus Christ. Saul not only saw a vision, he personally met
the risen Christ (vv4-5). He recognized that Jesus was the Son of God and
changed the direction of his life. True repentance came through a personal
encounter with Jesus, when a relationship with Jesus was established and new
life began.
2. Recall my encounter with Jesus: how I acknowledged Jesus as my Lord, repent
my sin, gave my life to Jesus, determined to live an obedient life, established a
personal relationship with Jesus and began a new life.
3. Thank God for my conversion experience. And dedicate myself to God once
again to live an obedient life for God.

Personal Note:
This morning, I have group devos with my grade 12 and college friends.  We talked about how God can use anyone even a person like Saul who persecuted the church.  It is a good reminder that we are to see everyone  as someone God can use for his glory.

With the society challenging us to think and live for ourselves, it is important for us to remember what our true identity is.  We belong to Christ.  We have repented and our sins have been forgiven.  Even though I may not be where God wants me to be, I should have faith that God can mold me into a person that pleases him.

I read on further to v.22 when Paul was in Damacus and Jerusalem, "Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ."  How was Saul more and more powerful when he lost his powerful Jewish identity and when he was not trusted by most believers.  Paul's power comes from the Holy Spirit.  It is reminder that it is not money, wealth, status that makes me powerful.