March 14th, 2010

Today’s scripture focus – Acts 9:1-20

Luke has been demonstrating how the gospel was proclaimed to Jewish people. Now his attention shifts to the work among the Gentiles, preached through the unlikeliest of witnesses. Anticipation for Saul/Paul was built with two brief mentions of him (7:58 and 8:1). When biblical authors wrote something twice, it meant “pay attention.” Young Saul was on a mission to Damascus, about a two week’s journey north of Jerusalem. There were 10,000 or so Jews there. Saul was so consumed with hatred for the followers of “the Way”, he wanted to arrest as many as possible. He was nearing the end of his journey when Jesus spoke. Saul learned in a dramatic fashion that hurting Jesus’ followers was in reality persecuting the Lord.

We don’t know how a group of Christians came to be in Damascus. This Syrian city is one of the oldest in existence. Abraham once dwelt there. It was far north of the area settled by Greek speaking Jews following the Jerusalem persecution (Acts 8:1) Perhaps some Syrian Jews were present on the Day of Pentecost several years earlier, and brought the new Way home with them. One of their leaders, Ananias, was instructed by the Lord in a vision to seek out Saul, who by this time hadn’t eaten or drank anything for three days. Apparently both Saul’s reputation and agenda were known to the Damascus followers, for Ananias was frightened.

The Lord tells Ananias to “Go!” a second time. The Lord had set Saul apart as His witness to Gentiles, Jews, and Kings, and in serving the Lord Saul would face suffering. In time, he would more than fulfill this prophecy. Ananias at once got up and found Saul exactly where the Lord said he would be. Addressing him as “Brother Saul” showed that Ananias recognized the Lord’s transforming work. He boldly prayed for Saul, who received his sight, was filled with the Spirit, and baptized, probably by Ananias himself. After eating and drawing strength from fellowship with the disciples, Saul went at once to those same synagogues he had originally set out for. Instead of persecuting the followers of Jesus, however, he now preached this same Jesus as the Son of God.

Many Christians struggle because they don’t have a “Paul” experience, especially when a well meaning saint testifies that if everyone’s conversion didn’t happen in a certain way, it’s not genuine. Many do have dramatic Paul-like experiences of deliverance from utter wickedness. That’s wonderful, and can be a tremendous faith booster to the Church! Others, however, might have “butterfly” testimonies. We can’t point to an exact moment when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, but the fact there’s been a conversion is indisputable. Whatever forms our calls to follow Jesus take, we can all bear public testimony through baptism and sanctified living that God’s transforming power is at work within us.

CrossGroups

• Go around the table and share prayer requests. Have someone lead in prayer.

• Let everyone who would like share anything exciting from their week.

• Ask these three questions. Let as many answer each one as would like.

1) Is there anything in today’s scripture that especially speaks to you?

2) What questions would you like to ask about today’s scripture?

3) Describe your own conversion experience.

Today’s Sermon

Faith focus – “I believe…Jesus…suffered…”

Life need – When will we see revival?

Key truths –

• Saul was blind

• Many around us are disillusioned

• God restored vision through Ananias

• God restores vision through us

Assignment – This week, I will bring fresh vision to those who are spiritually blind.