“One Year Bible” New Testament Passage
Acts 9:1-25
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9:5-6 (NKJV)
The conversion of Paul is one of the most dramatic stories in history of a men coming to Christ. We even speak of a “Damascus Road Experience” when we tell of anyone meeting the Lord and making a complete 180 turn-around in their life.
As Paul lay flat on his back, he asked Jesus two very important questions. The answers to these questions are part of any true conversion.
First, he asked, “Who are You, Lord?” He, at that point, did not know Who had knocked him off his donkey, but whoever it was, IT WAS THE LORD! Can you imagine the shock when Paul heard the words, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”? Paul had a personal encounter with the Living God, and he found out he had all this time been fighting against him.
Conversion is not just about learning new ways to live — better morals and breaking bad habits. Conversion is about learning WHO GOD IS. In fact, we will spend eternity learning more and more about WHO GOD IS.
Paul’s question is not just a matter of learning the identity of the one who knocked him off his donkey. It goes further. It involves learning what He is like — what are His attributes — what is His character.
The second question was, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Conversion means that we turn from our way to God’s way. When we meet the Lord, there will be an automatic change in the way we live. We surrender our will to His and humbly ask what He wants us to do. We may not yet be ABLE to do all that He says, but we have a heart to desire His will. This is part of what it means to “give your heart to the Lord.”
These two questions are foundational to a healthy walk with God. So, pray them today! “Lord, show me Who You are. Show me what You are like?” and “Lord, what do you want me to do today? What is your will for my life? I want to do what you have called me to do.”