Who Are You Lord? (Acts 9:5)

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 9:5)

On the road to Damascus, God blinded Saul with a bright light like the noonday sun, which caused Saul to fall from his horse. Jesus spoke from heaven and questioned Saul, who had no answer to his tyrannical behaviour. Saul was so helpless and motionless that he was led by the hand into Damascus and was three days without food, sight or water. Then a devoted Jew named Ananias gets a vision from the Lord that says, "arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one Saul of Tarsus" (Acts 9:11).

How do you think Ananias felt, after hearing reports that Saul was in Damascus to persecute the Christians there? I am sure he said, "God, your kidding, right! You want me to go pray for this man Saul, a murderer of your followers, who was responsible for the martyrdom of Stephen and imprisonment of the other disciples? Think twice!"

Then God answered, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel." Yes, God does use 'crackpots', to send a message across. Often times God uses the ones who irritate us the most, to remove a defect in our character. Remember it is the irritating grain of sand, the oyster turns into a pearl. The process is painful, but the outcome is fabulous.

Look at Saul; after Ananias prayed over him, he received his sight. He was baptized he arose from that place and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ all through the Mediterranean. Everywhere Paul went, the New Testament church was established. He talked with angels. People bowed before him, believing he was a living god. He was given a guided tour of heaven and could not describe the New Jerusalem, he simply says, "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it dawned on the mind of man what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Paul's trip down Damascus led to a divine destination, a life-changing encounter with Jesus he was never the same again. Paul was obedient to the heavenly vision, he kept traveling in faith and finally said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to change our perception of seeing others. I believe God has great plans for every child of his, once we realize this, our outlook and our dealings with others will change. And when that happens, we will no longer look for the murderers in Moses' or the drunkards in Noahs and the adulterers in Davids.

"Lord Jesus, I pray that every encounter I have with a child of yours may advance the work of your kingdom. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and mercies, that last forever."