Morning Devotional 090625 Listen; Follow; Act

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

September 6, 2025

Acts 9:1-6

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still spewing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest, 2 seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” 5 Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. 6 “Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do.” Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes, but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 

Good Morning! Stand up and bless the Lord!

The story of Paul’s conversion is well-known. Throughout his ministry, Paul shared this story in his letters to his churches and with those to whom he preached. 

When I reread this passage this morning, I stopped when Saul/Paul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” How or why does he recognize that the voice he hears is the Lord, but he does not equate this voice to God or Jesus? 

I would think that a man who spent his life as a Pharisee studying the Word would automatically assume that God would be the one speaking out of the light from heaven. Equally interesting is Paul’s response to do as he is instructed. Jesus, who he was persecuting as a false prophet, directs him, and he follows his instruction. 

There is no theological debate or discussion: just obedience. To be fair, Jesus had Paul at a disadvantage because, as a result of the experience, he could not see. Still, this was a man who zealously tracked and arrested anyone connected to Jesus. 

What else happened in that encounter? Paul must have been confused and dazed, but he listened and followed as commanded. It is one thing to convert someone who is looking to be converted, but quite another to convert the unwilling. 

God sees us and reveals to us what is necessary to open our hearts to Jesus. Praise be to God!

Loving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Even when we are on the wrong path, you seek us and love us. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Praise God for the generous love shared with us through Jesus.

Listen; Follow; Act! Pastor Liz