God doesn’t always choose the people you expect. Look at me! I’m a retired paralegal from the Midwest now serving as a missionary in Mexico and writing Bible devotions to help people connect with God. But Saul’s story is extraordinary, and it’s one we should pay attention to.
We’re not told here what becomes of Saul after he’s blinded by the light. Saul’s conversion story is powerful, and you can read more about it and how God uses other people to help Saul here in Acts 9. But for our reflection today, let’s consider what this tells us about our theme of listening to God’s Word.
Saul was a very devout Jew following God’s law down to the last detail. In those days after Jesus’ death and resurrection, it was not popular to be associated with Jesus. The religious leaders had seen Jesus as a threat to their precious law, God’s Word. It was a scary time for followers of Jesus who believed he was the Messiah and trusted all of his teachings. For Saul and others like him in authority, Jesus’ followers were the enemy to be destroyed.
To get Saul’s attention, Jesus spoke. Can you imagine how Saul felt in that moment? Frightened disbelief sounds about right. Jesus was dead. How could this be happening? Saul must have heard him wrong, but the events that follow will reveal an obedient Saul.
Why in the world would God choose Saul? We can debate that all day long. This same man, Saul, will go on to be renamed Paul to be used by God. Paul is the missionary selected to teach Gentiles (non-Jews) about Jesus’ love and God’s plan for the world. Saul’s terror and persecution against Christ followers would come to an abrupt end.
God had his reasons, and Saul’s testimony would be very powerful. You may have your own conversion story of what your life was like before Jesus and now after meeting him. God doesn’t always enter our lives in such a “spectacular” way, sending a brilliant light from heaven. When you think of it, however, the mere fact that the God of the universe, creator of all things, loved us so much to send his son, Jesus as a ransom for us—that’s quite spectacular!
Take some time to sit quietly today and listen for any message God may be sending your way. Is he trying to get your attention? God has chosen you for a purpose, too. Do you feel like you need some redirection to get you on the right track?
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the gentle reminder to be listening for you, not just reading your Word. I don’t want to be going off in the wrong direction. I feel like the beauty around me is your way of getting my attention. Help me to focus on the right things so I can follow you closely and get to know you more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
