The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 25 January 2020 – TOPIC: WHO CAN BATTLE WITH THE LORD?

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DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020
(Conversion of Saul)
TOPIC: WHO CAN BATTLE WITH THE LORD?
READ: ACTS 9:1-19 (NKJV)

1. Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2. and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3. As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
4. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
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.”
7. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
8. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought [him] into Damascus.
9. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11. So the Lord [said] to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for [one] called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12. “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting [his] hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
13. Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14. “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16. “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
17. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18. Immediately there fell from his eyes [something] like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

THE MESSAGE:

Saul was still uttering threats and was eager to kill all the followers of Jesus Christ in his zeal for his Jewish religion. About to enter Damascus to arrest and bring in chains to Jerusalem all the followers of Jesus Christ, a light from heaven suddenly shone around him and he fell down and became blind. From here, he became converted and lost the zeal to accomplish the mission for which he was going to Damascus.Anybody who fights a Christian fights against the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s why Jesus asked Saul “…why are you persecuting me?” He also said “it is hard for you to kick against the goad” or prick. When we stick close to Jesus Christ, nothing can harm us. When your life is hidden with Christ in God, God will fight your battles and deliver you from unseen forces of evil.

From today’s scripture, one wonders how without delay and argument, the tyrant Saul, became Brother Saul. This shows that there is nobody whose conversion is too difficult for God. Is there any member of your family or anybody at all whose conversion seems too hard? Don’t lose hope. One spectacular act from the Lord will make that person a meek Christian.

PRAYER: God of signs and wonders, please fight my battles and give me victories. Release Your miraculous power to draw many souls unto You.