Intersections: Slowing Down for Meaningful Connection & Deeper CommunitySample

Paul Meets Jesus

CONSIDER

Before heading on a road trip, what are some of the things you do? It likely includes ensuring you have the gas needed for the journey! In order to go, we must first stop and fill our tanks.

In Acts 9:1-9, we find Saul (later known as Paul) traveling down a road. He’s headed to do some bad things to some people Jesus loves. Saul is introduced here as someone who was breathing murderous threats against followers of Jesus. He journeyed to visit with the high priest (we're talking top of the religious food chain) and request letters to arrest anyone following “the way” of Jesus.

Today's passage takes place after the killing of Steven, a beloved disciple of Jesus, of which Saul was an observer. This wasn’t Saul’s first rodeo! Up to this point, he had been actively persecuting the church, imprisoning both men and women (Acts 8:1-3).

Then the most epic thing happens! On the road to arrest Jesus’ followers, Saul encounters Jesus in a blinding light. This monumental encounter eventually leads him to see the world through entirely different eyes. The people he was going to harm would soon become people he lived to love.

God’s love and mercy are on full display here - towards His people and also toward Saul (chief of all sinners, 1 Tim 1:15).

Jesus didn’t meet Saul in a temple (a place he would have frequented). He met him right where he was on the road to Damascus, letters of persecution in hand. He wants to meet you where you are also.

CONNECT with GOD

Have you had a moment with Jesus that changed how you saw everything? If not, take a moment to pause and let Him know that you're ready for this kind of encounter with Him.

If you've had this kind of experience with Jesus, take an honest inventory. Are you taking the time to fill up spiritually daily?

DIG DEEPER:

Did you know Paul the Apostle wrote most of the New Testament, including 1 Corinthians? Tucked in towards the end of the book is one of the most beautiful passages in all of Scripture. It’s about the kind of love God demonstrates towards us so we can go and love one another, which is incredibly important when it comes to meaningful connection. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8. What stands out to you in this passage?