I. Introduction

We each have our own life journeys, influenced and shaped by our relationships with loved ones, friends, and those we meet along the way. In addition, we possess various passions and interests that contribute to enriching our lives and providing them with purpose. We try our best to be good neighbors, and good friends and good family members. We also try our best to be on the right path, and when it comes to the spiritual path, we know that that path is personal to us, and as Christians, we try to follow Christ and the message of love, peace and compassion towards others. We are not perfect, and we all have different journeys when it comes to our relationship with God and Christ.

II. Saul's journey on the Road to Damascus

The disciples of Christ, and the broader following of Christ knew that their lives would change after the crucifixion of Jesus. They had considered the risks and the challenges they presented to the authorities of that era. Many were persecuted for their belief in Christ and His teachings. Saul was actively involved in the persecution of Christ's followers. This included making threats to their lives and proceeding with their arrests. He was on his way to Damascus to obtain letters from the High Priest to capture the followers of Christ, when he was stopped by the Risen Christ on that road. We see him surrounded by a flashing light from heaven, after which he fell to the ground, and heard the voice of Christ, asking him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" The Son of God stated that his actions are not solely directed at the disciples of Christ, but rather at Christ Himself. The Living Christ seeks to engage in dialogue with him and is demonstrating the divine power to hinder his plans.

Ananias, a disciple in Damascus who was also a target of Saul, received instructions from Christ to visit Saul. This encounter led to a profound transformation in Saul's life. Ananias was concerned for his own life, but now he became Christ's messenger to Saul, restored his sight, and healed him. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, and his conversion led to the adoption of his new name, Paul, which marked a significant transformation in his life. His new ministry commenced immediately following this pivotal experience.

The key to this change in the life of Saul and where his journey would take him, was Jesus' appearance to him, but also, Jesus' words to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry My Name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people in Israel." Paul transitioned from persecuting churches to establishing them, becoming a significant instrument in the hands of God.

III. Conclusion

Saul's pursuits, interests, and actions posed a significant risk to the lives of Jesus' disciples as they endeavored to spread the good news to a wide audience. Christ's intervention in his life provided an important opportunity for change, transforming him into an influential figure for the church during that time and continuing to impact the church today. This morning, Christ is present on our journey, calling each of us by name, redirecting our paths and purposes, so that we may serve as unique instruments in God's work. Nothing can render us too inadequate or sinful for Christ to intervene and affirm our role as instruments of God. May God help us to see and hear Christ when that happens. Amen.