New Life

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.  Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’  Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized.”  Acts 9:17-18

Can you imagine what it was like for Saul to be blind, waiting to hear from Jesus again? I am sure he was nervous, maybe even terrified, of the unknown. His mind likely cataloged all of the Christians he had persecuted. The hateful words and blasphemy he had spoken probably haunted him as we waited in complete darkness. He had no idea if he would ever get his physical sight back. All he knew was that on that dusty road to Damascus, he met Christ, the Son of the Living God.

As a devout Jew – and one who was highly educated and respected – Saul’s world had been turned upside down. He was passionate about what he believed…but he was passionately wrong. What an unlikely Apostle! Of all the people God could have chosen to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles, why Saul the murderer?

Saul’s life demonstrates the new life that is possible in Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit filled this former persecutor of Christ the scales fell from his eyes and he became a new man with a new Lord and a new purpose and passion. He would go from being the persecutor to the persecuted. He would be hunted, imprisoned, mocked, hated, and eventually killed for the sake of the Gospel.

God had a plan for Saul’s life all along. And at the perfect time, He removed the scales of unbelief from his eyes and gave him His Spirit to empower and guide his life. From the time God’s Spirit filled this new man, he lived to know Christ. Everything he did was to advance the Kingdom of God and to glorify His Name.

The Spirit that brought new life to Saul can do the same for you. If God chose to redeem a man such as Saul, surely He will use you in mighty ways if you will only surrender to His will.

Dear God, so often I become blinded to Your glory.  Please forgive me for taking my eyes off of You.  Fill me with Your Spirit and change my heart.  Use me to further Your Kingdom today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.