FAITH CAPSULE: Saul’s attempts to harass the disciples caused heaven to arrest him.

Acts 9

Saul the most celebrated murderer of the New Testament also answered as Apostle Paul the most celebrated writer of the New Testament. He passionately went after the followers of Christ to persecute them until the Spirit of God arrested him. The book of Acts 9:1-2 documented, “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” A man that was full of threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, a man with the permission from the high priest to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether man or woman, he might bring them, bound to Jerusalem, could not see at his entering into Damascus. Saul’s attempts to harass the disciples caused heaven to arrest him and gave him a new name Paul.
Saul was a serious minded persecutor of the followers of Christ either on the way or out of the way. Saul would go outside of his area looking for followers of Christ to persecute. Saul’s mission to Damascus to carry out his business encountered the power that converted him from persecutor to a propagator of the kingdom of God’s business. By virtue of God’s power, no man under the heaven is above God’s redirection for the purpose of His divine agenda. God alone is One that reverses the irreversible. Saul on his journey to carry out persecution, “… He came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.” (Acts 9:3) It was in this light that he encountered Jesus, with no choice for him but to respond with trembling. Saul did not only tremble but requested from the Lord of what to do for the Lord. Above all, he lost his eyesight.
The Bible recorded Saul’s encounter, “Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.” (Acts 9:8-9) Saul gained a new sight and moved forward to serve God. Saul answered to a new name (Paul) after gaining a new sight to see and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. God is still in the business of touching life. Ask, “Lord what do you want me to do” and He will position you in the center of your divine assignment.

Prayer for today: Ask God to enable you to answer fully in every area of His calling for your life.