Damascus Road Experience

What comes to mind when you hear, “Damascus Road Experience?” For me, the first thing I think of is a  spectacular, bright light.

I can see the words I read in Acts. In my head. The words are so descriptive that they come alive when I read them. My eyes are actually closed as I type these words. I see a dirt road and Paul and a group of companions are walking, in the heat of the day. Although scripture does not tell me the number of companions that are with Paul, I see three other men. They are walking and talking as they are going. I hear conversations of their reason for going to Damascus. They are also wondering how people can believe in Jesus.

In the middle of a, “How can they believe…” statement, There is a bright light. In Acts 26:6 we see it was about noon. I see the sun shining and all of a sudden there is an extreme brightness, right where they are. It is brighter than anything they have every seen before. The brightness of the light throws them into confusion and fear. For Saul, he didn't just see a bright light, but also heard a voice. 

The voice sounding like the roar of thunder leveled the fear with respect. When the bright light, came out of no where, Saul and his companions fell, face down, to the ground. When the thunderous voice called Saul and he responded. The companions not only exhibited fear, but they were also worried. Saul heard and understood the voice, but the companions could not understand the voice and yet, Saul is having a conversation.

When Saul heard his name, he immediately knew this was bigger than him, but still had no clue as to what was really going on.

Then Jesus spoke to him. He called him by name. This personal salutation showed Saul that he was known by God. God not only acknowledge who Saul was, what his life had been like before that moment, but he also gave him a new purpose with a promise to be with him.

Although Paul’s conversion was dramatic, the reality is that every conversion is dramatic, regardless of what it looks like. The conversation says we’ve accepted the gift of life as we are born into a new life, with a new purpose. And our purpose is vitally important. Our purpose is to be in kingdom building work, working along side Jesus, seeing to it that they know they too are called to salvation and a new purpose.

Take a minute and think about your job. It doesn't have to be a job that takes you out of the home to another's place of business. What is that thing you do? Think about that one thing; that most important thing. The thing that if left undone affects, not just you, but those around you, in a profound way.

Well, this job that Jesus has for you is more important. This job determines the "forever" for others. ​

John 17:20, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

John 17:26,  I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

So, just because you didn’t have the bright light, it doesn’t mean yours is less impactful. We will also look, today, at three past guest of #WhatIfChrist. We’ll hear their story again as we see it is a Damascus Road experience in itself.