Divine Grace
Opening Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for Your great grace which has saved me and which continues to sustain me each day.
Read Acts 9:1-9
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest [2] and 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. [3] As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. [4] He 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.” [7] The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. [8] Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. [9] For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What surprise awaited Saul on the Damascus road?Saul was not looking for Jesus! He was not “almost Christian” and the only time he wanted to spend with Christians was at their arrest and death. Jesus, however, was planning to meet with Saul in what would become the most famous conversion in church history. The intensity of Saul’s savage pursuit of Christians (1,2) cannot be underestimated. Fiercely prejudiced and filled with cruel intentions, he is eager to undertake the 150-mile, week-long journey to Damascus to hunt down those who have escaped his own city. On the way, in dramatic and unique circumstances, Jesus appears to Saul, convicts him of his sin and strips him of his pride and strength. To the city he planned to enter as a confident authority, he must now be led, humbled and blinded. This is not divine revenge on God’s part, but instead a personal encounter to meet Saul in his rebellion and sin and transform him by grace alone. Many, many times throughout his letters he refers to this (e.g. 1 Tim. 1:16). Saul (Paul) is never in any doubt about the origin of his salvation. His experiences taught him the immeasurable value of the grace of God.
Apply
Our salvation depends solely on Christ’s lavish and unlimited grace. Take time to meditate on the grace of God to you.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, Your grace is truly greater than my sin. Continue to graciously make me more like Jesus each day.
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