Acts 9:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Acts 9:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 9Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest Verse 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Verse 3Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Verse 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Verse 5He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Verse 6But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." Verse 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Verse 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. Verse 9For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Devotion
Can you imagine what those three days must have been like for Saul as he waited in the darkness and uncertainty of Damascus? What must have run through his mind during that time? Did he think about those people he had persecuted? Did the words and voice from the road echo in his mind? What was he feeling? Was he scared to talk to God? In this indefinite state of complete vulnerability, as he sat in darkness with neither food nor water, I’m sure he had no idea where God would lead him, and perhaps neither do we.
Prayer
God, be with us and teach us even in the times of darkness. Change us as we pray and wait for you to illuminate our way. Amen.