26:12-14
Then on one of his murderous journeys everything changed. He was off to Damascus to persecute a few more Christians, but on the way he saw a bright light, brighter even than the sun. He and his companions all fell to the ground, and Paul heard a voice saying “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads”. Paul was working against the purposes of God, against what God was doing. The Jewish leaders were doing the very same thing now. To work against God is indeed a hard thing to do!
26:15-18
Paul did not know who the voice was, though he refers to him as “Lord”. The voice then identifies himself as Jesus. Jesus tells Paul to get up, and tells him that Jesus has appointed him to be His witness and servant. Paul was not given a choice in the matter! He also assures Paul that He will rescue him from the Jews (his own people) and the Gentiles, Paul was persecuted by both groups. Paul’s task was “to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”. And that is still the task of the church, and of you and me. The world is living in darkness and is under the power of Satan.
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