FRIDAY November 24, 2023

An Appointed Work

“And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’ And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.”
Acts 22:9-11

Saul was on his way to Damascus to kill Christians when the Lord appeared to Him. He had a band of men with him, but only Saul heard His voice. You see, it was not an audible voice for everyone to hear. The Lord spoke with Saul personally. He immediately submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Lord told Saul what to do. He was instructed to go to Damascus for a completely different purpose. He was to wait there for further instructions. The Lord would tell him exactly what He was going to do for him, how He was going to use his life, and what was going to happen to him in the future.

Instead of the grand entrance into the city of Damascus, Saul entered the city blind. He was greatly feared by Christians, because of the authority he was given from those in the Sanhedrin to arrest Christians. Saul was now under the authority of Christ. His orders came from Him. As the people saw him being led by the hand, they may have wondered, What happened to Saul? Perhaps believers were relieved, but others may have been more cautious. Saul was not to be trusted. It could be a trap!

There have been situations when God has helped people in error to know the truth. In ignorance, they have been blinded by false doctrines and hate. How many think they are doing right by persecuting Christians? Pray God gives them a revelation of Christ. The light of the Gospel needs to penetrate their hearts and minds so they can know they were wrong.

For us to hate those who are in error, or talk of them with contempt or wish them ill, or do them wrong, is not according to the Spirit of Christ. ... The conquering weapon of the Christian is love....
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!