Key Verse to Read and Treasure

Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened—Acts 9:17-18 (ESV)

For Insight

The encounter Saul had with Christ on the Damascus Road became the turning point and pivotal place where his new life (in Christ) began. It’s not merely the turning of a page on our calendar or entering a brand-new year that brings change or newness, but brand-new starts wherever we meet the conviction, grace, forgiveness, mercy, peace, and love of God, within our life and year.

Saul would undergo a needful transformation—one he was not aware beforehand that he needed. To him, his life was going the way it should. He even felt by persecuting Christians he was serving God, but God would show him otherwise. It wasn’t until Saul became Paul his eyes were opened to the truth of his sin, and he rejoiced in the “new life and focus of service” made possible through Jesus. Though Jesus could have killed Paul, he spared him so he could go forward with a renewed purpose and love for Christ, reaching people everywhere and bringing Christ to the nations even to this day!     

Damascus road encounters still happen today. And praise God they do! Otherwise, we would keep going the same (old) direction, believing the things we are doing, the attitudes we are entertaining are pleasing to God. The advantage of a new year is that we are more willing to admit we need a brand-new start, if only for something as small as the need for new eating, embracing a new exercise routine, or drawing closer to God through devotions or prayer. With the entrance of a new year, we can seize the opportunity to let Jesus into the inner sanctums of our life and heart. These new opportunities can lead to a brand-new life, attitude, and focus.

Jesus, the scales fell from Paul’s eyes and he could see with new eyes his purpose. Permit us to have an encounter with you that changes us and gives us a brand new life. Amen

Read how Saul was converted in Read Acts 9:1-19

How does Paul’s encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road inspire you to pray and seek a new purpose in life?