Today's copy of LIFE! section caught my eye. It's titled 'Road to Damascus' and it shows the splendid ruins of Palmyra in Syria. This brought to mind, Paul in Acts, where he was on the road to Damascus, seeking to decimate the Christian community there.
He had set out from Jerusalem for Syrian Damascus, with the authority to arrest those followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains for questioning and possible execution. Yet on his way, he was struck blind by a brilliant light from heaven and he heard the Lord asking, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" As the chapters go, we see that Paul now blinded and healed through Aanasis by the Lord, restoring his sight and we witnessed the conversion of Paul.
The conversion of Paul let us witness the love of our Lord. Look at Acts 9:13-15 "Lord, " Ananias answered. "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel."
Paul's conversion is a testimony to the absolute forgiveness of our sins, shortcomings and trangressions that we are offered by faith and grace through belief in Christ. Paul's persecution of Christians was a grave sin but at the same time it conveys a message that any sinner, no matter how bad his sins, is forgivable.
We're sinful by nature, and yes, at times we stumble and falter. Often, we find ourselves on the road to Damascus; on the way to committing sin that is, be it temptations, anger or negative feelings or harsh words to people around. God meets us where we are at, whether it’s on the road to ruin from drugs, alcohol or any other kind of self-destructive sin. Just as Jesus went to the homes of sinners to share His Good News with them, so does He come to us where we are to offer His salvation. We only have to say yes to His invitation, like Paul did. God calls out to us, to turn our backs on sin and walk with Him.
The 'Road to Damascus" has become a metaphor in reference to a sudden conversion of thought or a change of heart or mind in today's language. Paul was a persecutor of Christians yet God forgave him and made him one of the greatest servants in Christian history. No life is useless or too far gone for God. He has a purpose for all of us and can forgive us no matter what if we are willing to ask for His forgiveness and accept it as His gift to us. What miracle life might He have in store for you?
wl
the anthem
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
welcome!
Welcome to our tribe's blog
as always, our dad will try to share God's word and testimonies here
if you've any testimony, want to update your brothers about your status
or even just share the goodness of God,
do drop a post yup!
god bless!
