CHANGED BY ONE ENCOUNTER

Post date: Feb 24, 2015 4:45:07 AM

Before conversion, Saul was well versed in the history of Israel; well knowledgeable in the legal teachings and the practice of the law; had excellent knowledge in the tradition, all the religious beliefs and practice of the Jewish people of his time from their fore fathers. He was well versed in the Old Testament teachings, prophesies and requirements concerning the Almighty God and all His acts. Though he was an active practicing attorney, he had a near perfect relationship and understanding with the judges and was well connected with the religious leaders, the adherents and the masses. His knowledge made him an authority; his learning made him a confidant, his determination made him a rallying point-man, and his desires gave him the drive to reach out to areas that others were not interested in before his time. These are good qualities that people are looking for today to excel in their respective professions, but had an encounter that changed him.

He was a man with great ideas and great aspirations; was an inspiration to many, and a source of courage for those who depended on him; he was totally focused on achieving results in all the things he lays his hands in doing in life; he had a great determination and desires to seeing things done according to the law and the satisfaction of the judges and religious leaders. Driven by such determination and aimed with letters of authority from the judges and the support of the people around him, he went after the disciples of Jesus Christ with the sole intent of arresting them, imprisoning them, stopping the gospel of Jesus Christ from spreading through the preaching by the disciples and discouraging others from following their words and works.

On one of his trips, he had a physical encounter he had never had before, he saw what he had never seen before, and he had an experience he never thought will ever happen to him based on his knowledge, connections, and relationship with people. He saw a bright light from heaven that blinded him immediately thereafter and forced him to seek immediate help from there on. One of the help was human assistance, and the other was divine guidance; while men were there to help him physically, God was also there to give him the divine guidance that will take him to the next level with this: “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord? Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:1-9

That same Saul with all the physical requirements for success had a spectacular encounter that forced him to ask ‘what must I do next.’ That question did not show his weakness but his desire for something better, for a better way and for a better result; it did not show foolishness, but his desire for a supernatural illumination on the way forward. By asking that same question you are not showing weakness, you do not show inability, you do not show lack of knowledge, but you show the need for a direction and guidance for better results.  That encounter changed him forever and I pray you will experience the encounter that will also change you for the best, change all things about and around you as it was with Saul. From that day on, Saul was physically and spiritually changed, his actions, thoughts, and words were totally changed forever; his name was changed to Paul and God gave him a better way to use his profession for greater profit and immortalized his name. For prayers, Click here