Slices
Prepare
Saul was blinded and alone with his thoughts in Damascus. He needed his vision restored, but more than that, he needed to know that there was a new and different vision for his life. Do you have a vision for your life?
Bible passage
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’
‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered.
11 The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.’
13 ‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’
17 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.’ 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptised, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Explore
Saul could no longer be the rising star of Judaism, the chief antagonist of Jesus’ followers. He had met the risen Jesus and that changed everything.
Jesus appeared in a vision to one of his followers, Ananias. He told him to go and restore Saul’s sight. Ananias could immediately see the problem with this plan. He had heard of Saul’s actions and authority to arrest anyone following Jesus – including Ananias himself. Danger lurked.
However, Jesus had a plan for Saul. He wanted him to see his new purpose: a God-given vision for his life. Saul would be the Lord’s chosen instrument to proclaim the Jesus he had previously persecuted. And he would do that to Gentiles, their kings and Jews too. Saul did not have an easy road to travel.
Ananias followed the instructions. Saul received his sight and also the Holy Spirit. He was baptised, strengthened with food and encouraged by several days of fellowship with his new family.
Respond
Saul had travelled to Damascus to arrest these people, and now he spent some days enjoying being in God’s family with them. Praise God that God’s power can transform the most impossible case. Praise God that he could bring you into that same family as you trust in Christ!
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Hosea 9,10; Revelation 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for Mission Enabler Toby Chant in his work with the Benefice of Dartmouth and Dittisham. He is supporting team members in this new Faith Guide church as they seek to make connections with young people, children and families during Advent and the Christmas period.
