Today’s Community Scripture – 5/28/2025

All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem. He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?” He said, “Who are you, Master?” “I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.” His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.

Acts 9:1–9 (MSG)

– Reflection:

Saul was a devout and zealous Pharisee, deeply committed to the Jewish law, which he believed was the true path to honoring God. Convinced that the followers of Jesus were a dangerous sect leading people astray, he took it upon himself to hunt them down, believing he was upholding righteousness. With fervent determination, he persecuted early Christians, imprisoning them and even approving of their executions. Yet, in his zeal, Saul was unknowingly fighting against the very God he sought to serve—misguided in his belief that he was protecting the faith, when in truth, he was opposing the fulfillment of God’s promise through Jesus Christ. I do’t think there has been a time where a people has been wronged and GOD has not been there in the gap for them when needed. Jesus and his father stood in the gap for the apostles while Saul was chasing them down and hunting and killing them. What did Jesus do? He didn’t kill him he turned Saul into a disciple and named him Paul. He transformed him into a new person. Amazing. Let go of what needs to be let go of and follow him.

– Where do we go from here?

Saul’s life changed drastically when he was struck blind on the road to Damascus and had to confront the truth that everything he believed was being turned upside down. From that moment on, Saul became Paul, a devoted follower of Jesus and one of the most influential apostles in spreading the gospel.

If you’re asking this in a spiritual or reflective sense, it could mean:

A call to transformation: Like Saul, perhaps it’s time to re-examine your beliefs or actions and ask if they align with truth and love.

A journey of purpose: Paul’s life after conversion was filled with mission, writing, and service. Where could your own mission be leading you?

A moment of surrender: Saul had to relinquish control and trust in something greater. Is there something you’re being called to release or to trust in?

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, today I come before You with a heart open to Your truth. Like Saul, I may have walked paths with conviction, yet not always in alignment with Your will. Forgive me for the times I’ve acted out of zeal without love, or pursued what I thought was right without seeking Your voice. Lord, I ask for clarity where I’ve been blind and courage where I’ve been hesitant. Just as You met Saul on the road to Damascus, meet me in the midst of my journey. Interrupt my plans if they lead me away from You and guide me toward the purpose You’ve prepared for me. Transform my heart, renew my mind, and fill me with the same passion Paul had—not to persecute, but to proclaim Your grace. Let today be a turning point, where I walk not in my understanding but in the light of Your truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.