Saul kept on threatening to kill the Lord’s followers. He even went to the high priest 2 and asked for letters to the Jewish leaders in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord’s Way. 3 When Saul had almost reached Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice that said, “Saul! Saul! Why are you so cruel to me?”
5 “Who are you?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus,” the Lord answered. “I am the one you are so cruel to. 6 Now get up and go into the city, where you will be told what to do.” Acts 9:1-6 (CEV)
Last night I was praying for someone and the LORD brought this Scripture to my mind. I put “Damascus” into my software and then I read Acts 8 and 9.
Most of us have someone we love who has avoided admitting they are sinners and need Jesus. We have prayed for them and may have spoken to them about our own life change, but to no avail.
Saul was well-schooled in the Scriptures and a leader who had taken on the task with a “no stopping” fanaticism. He believed he was doing God’s work. Remember how Jesus said in John 16 that persecution would come from those who thought they were doing God’s work? The disciples and Believers were terrified of Saul. He had the power to put people out of the Temple, even kill those who followed Jesus. Saul was evil and no one even considered trying to change his mind. No one except Jesus.
Even my own path to Christ was marked with years of dodging Jesus’ warnings and His hand reaching out to me. Jesus just kept putting people in my path who showed me through how they lived their lives what it would be like to have Jesus in my life. He inspired songs that wouldn’t stop replaying in my head. Jesus never let go.
If there is someone (or several someones) who came to your memory while reading this, don’t give up on Jesus coming into their life. Keep praying. Remember that as much as you love the person, our Father loves them more. And listen to God about what your role should be. Most often God wants us to be real and live our testimony, not argue it.
Father God, we put those that we love into Your hands. We thank You for Your great love for us and for them. We ask You to bless us all with ears to hear Your truth and hearts to receive Your love. May we be honest and compassionate ambassadors of You. May we all draw closer to You every day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
You Never Let Go written & sung by Matt Redman
