Fan the Flame - a Journey Through ActsSýnishorn

Day 22 - Saul on the Damascus Road

Francis Thompson wrote the poetic masterpiece, “The Hound of Heaven” (1893), creatively describing his stubborn refusal to turn to God and experience transformative grace. Filled with shame due to an opium addiction and repeated personal failure, finally Thompson succumbs to the Hound of Heaven, who relentlessly chases him down. This reminds me of C.S. Lewis’ testimony describing his own personal conversion in his book, Surprised by Joy, as a fish being played by ‘the Great Angler.’ Lewis couldn’t deny the way God had been leading him over many years until finally he yielded to the Lord Jesus.

Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:1-9 is certainly an extraordinary encounter with a sudden light from heaven brighter than the sun, blinding him, and the booming voice of Jesus spoke to him. Can’t say I’m surprised the horse kicked Saul from his saddle and onto the road! And yet later when reflecting on his dramatic conversion, Paul could honestly say that God had been pursuing him for some time despite his active resistance (Acts 26:14). Zealous in his sinful, arrogant state, Paul experienced neither power nor peace until he was arrested on the road to Damascus enroute to arresting others.

Some might ask whether Saul’s conversion is the ‘typical’ experience, but I don’t think so. The Scriptural narrative isn’t always prescriptive. But there are principles which apply to each disciple common to all:

1. Jesus revealed Himself. It was Jesus who initiated saving faith, and Saul responded, which is the same for you and me. We didn’t choose Jesus- He chose us (John 15:16)!

2. Jesus calls us to live differently. Remember the woman caught in adultery? He initiated grace and provided a challenge: “Go and sin no more.” He does this with Saul and us. We call that repentance, and it’s a lifelong pursuit in relationship with Jesus.

3. Jesus provided purpose. He redeems Saul’s zeal and transforms into Kingdom action. Likewise, God calls you and I from something into a future purpose for His Kingdom.

John Stott describes Saul’s conversion as the most famous in history, but we don’t need to covet or compare conversion experiences. Today, join me in prayerful thanksgiving for you and I being called into grace, and praying for those around us who need to experience the same.

Written by Dan Lyons