March 18, 2021 –
The background is Acts 9:1-9
Believers who successfully travel the Road to Emmaus subsequently travel the Road to Damascus. Some travel this road with misdirected religious zeal, some are just part of the crowd, some expect more, and others are mere onlookers.
Saul, of Tarsus, following his plan, journeyed the road to Damascus. His goal was to purge the city of Christian heretics. He traveled alone, at the front of the guard detail. Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, would not mix with the “ordinary” people.
Saul recalled how he watched over the robes of those stoning Stephen. He, like Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play, could not wash the guilt away.
Stephen’s last words, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” haunted Saul.
His troubled mind could not reconcile the paradox; how could a man, as he was dying, ask forgiveness for the people stoning him to death?
“And as it came about that as he (Saul of Tarsus) journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:3)
Many believers who successfully journeyed the Road to Jerusalem and the Road to Emmaus start on the Road to Damascus with zeal or an attitude of doing things for God. The problem is the traveler determines their goal. Often, the strategy is based on what they like, when they want, and how they are involved.
Events change when the “inner voice” speaks, and we, like Saul, must ask, “Who art Thou, Lord?” God’s answer to the question is, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting but arise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” (Acts 9:5, 6) God commissions Believers On the Road to Damascus, Jesus’ command is to put love into action.
Abraham, following God’s command, traveled through Damascus on his way from Ur to Canaan. Abraham stepped out in faith. He went forth at God’s command. Travelers on the Road to Damascus who obey Jesus’ command to “Go Forth” move forward to travel the exciting and rewarding final spiritual road, The Road to Jericho.
A journey on the road to Damascus includes an encounter with Jesus and ends with Him designating a task for you. The best travel is yet to come. It’s not the easiest or most comfortable, but the Road to Jericho is where the Christian walks with God.