Acts 9: 1-9 Saul on the way

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 Are you known as a Christian? Do we need a new way to describe Christians? Before ‘Christian’- ‘those belonging to the Way.’ Hebrew “halakah” = walk, manner of life. Early church knew OT, e.g. “This God, his way is perfect (1 Sam. 22:31) and others: Ps.27:11,25:4,37:5,103:7,Isa 30:21, 55:7

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 Jeremiah, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” We follow the ‘ways’ of leaders or heros. All this came to mind when Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” John 14:6 Jesus purpose laid out by enemies, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth” (Mark12:14, emphasis added)

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 Jesus disciples believed and lived ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ following him! Story of Saul’s conversion shows ‘the Way’ Characters Saul, Ananias, and Barnabas show how the Way begins, grows, and deepens. God was ‘tracking’ Saul as he tracked and persecuted Jesus followers in Jerusalem. Saul’s idea to go on to Damascus…

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 …but God was working on/with Saul. Six days by caravan to Damascus, what was Saul thinking? At just right moment, struck by lightening. Thunderous voice, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Imagine Saul’s feelings at the answer, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting… Order giver now given orders,“Get up… go”

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 3 days blind to deal with realities: 1. Jesus is alive! 2. Saul had persecuted the living Jesus! Saul was brought to end of his way to a ‘new and living way’. Does it take such a dramatic experience is needed, few of us have them. Have we known we need God, felt his pursuit, given up to him, given ourself?

Saul on the Way Acts 9: 1-9 “We did not choose God, he chose us!” Saul was God’s ‘chosen instrument…’ The rest of the NT shows us what that means. It’s up to God what he will do in and through us – if we let him! A decisive encounter begins the Way, Open yourself to God’s Way – Jesus!