Devotional: God Changes His Called Ones

Acts 9:1-19

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for he must suffer for My name’s sake”’ (Acts 0: 15-16, NASB).

According to biblical scholars, Paul is the most recognized person in the New Testament Scriptures. Paul wrote more books than anyone else in the bible. Paul made three missionary journeys and started numerous churches in many cities. However, we first meet Paul in the New Testament we may find it hard to believe that this is the same person that we honor in our churches today.

We first meet Paul whose Hebrew name is Saul in Acts7:58-8:1. The mob stones Stephen while Saul stands by in agreement as they lay their robes at his feet. In chapter 9 Saul gets letters from the high priests to go to Damascus to bring back to Jerusalem anyone belonging to the “Way” as prisoners

As Saul travels to Damascus, Jesus interrupts the journey. Paul is made blind by a light from heaven. In the meantime the Lord tells a disciple named Ananias to go and assist Saul. Ananias is awed by the Lord’s words. He is aware that Saul is an enemy of the people of the Way, and he is a great persecutor. Is this really the Lord talking to me, and am I hearing correctly what is being said to me? Ananias asks the Lord for clarification. The Lord confirms that this is the same Saul, but the Lord will change Saul’s life.

Saul persecutes the believers because he is a learned man having been taught by the best scholars of the Old Testament scriptures. Saul believes that he is doing the right thing to get rid of people who are violating the scriptures. God is going to make a change in Saul’s life. Saul has a vision and Jesus identifies Himself as the one that Saul is fighting against. Saul’s eyes are opened and he begins to proclaim that Jesus is the messiah that the prophets and all the scriptures proclaim.

Initially the believers do not believe that Saul is a changed man (v. 21).”But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ (v. 22, NASB). The Jews plotted to kill Saul, but he learned of their plans, and his disciples helped him to escape (v. 23-25).

God changes those who believe in Jesus. Like Saul we are able to endure suffering because the Lord gives us the Holy Spirit that gives us power to stand against all foes.

Prayer: Lord we thank you for making Yourself known to us. Knowing You has brought about a great change in our lives. Amen.