I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.
“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.
Comment: Paul continues yesterday’s presentation. ‘My commitment to Judaism led to head-to-head Opposition and persecution of this new Way, the Jesus Way, against which you are opposed until now.’ He states and continues ‘not only here but I got priestly authority to head to Damascus, and wreck havoc on this new Way!’ He continues to explain – Jesus appeared and spoke to Paul. Jesus accused Paul of persecuting Him, blinded him, and sent him off to Damascus to face the future! Paul who had been leader of the persecutors, became the blind helpless one led to an unknown future.
Prayer: Help me to realize that my future is in Your Hands, O God.
As I read it! 