A Light That Blinds
Scripture — Acts 9:5
[Saul] asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Focus
It can be of comfort to us that our Jesus, our Savior, considers his body as communal. He steps in and advocates for those that have been hurt and harmed and claims that the damage done to them is damage done to him. It stops Saul dead in his tracks. He doesn’t answer Jesus’ question and responds with his own question. _Who are you, Lord? _Even in our questioning, Jesus is still Lord. Our questioning is part of our growth. In fact, I would dare say that we should hold onto this question during different seasons of our life and faith. We circle back to this question in many forms. _Who are you, Lord? Where are you, Lord? Why is this happening, Lord? _It is a question with the promise of his presence showing up.
Devotion
Saul was a religious fanatic, a key witness to the murder of Stephen, and a mob agitator persecuting women and men who followed in the way of this Jesus whom he had never met face to face. Saul even requested letters from the high priest to justify his killing in the name of righteousness. Yet, he was about to meet the most High Priest on the road to Damascus. The last time that we saw the words of Jesus was in Acts 1. However, this necessitated the most high making a special blinding appearance—almost like flood lights—that knocked Saul to the ground.
The word for “light” in verse 3 is the same word used to speak of Jesus as “light of the world,” “light of revelation to the Gentiles,” and a “light in the darkness.” It wasn’t just any light. It wasn’t even 10,000 watts of stadium lights at the last Dodgers game. It was a light that couldn’t be matched by any other light. This light is the source of all light; a light of the world indeed, a light to particular peoples and light in your particular situation.
The resurrected Christ, however, approaches Saul not with condemnation but with a challenging question that invites conversation. Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
It can be of comfort to us that our Jesus, our Savior, considers his body as communal. He steps in and advocates for those that have been hurt and harmed and claims that the damage done to them is damage done to him. It stops Saul dead in his tracks. He doesn’t answer Jesus’ question and responds with his own question.
Who are you, Lord? Even in our questioning, Jesus is still Lord. Our questioning is part of our growth. In fact, I would dare say that we should hold onto this question during different seasons of our life and faith. We circle back to this question in many forms. Who are you, Lord? Where are you, Lord? Why is this happening, Lord? It is a question with the promise of his presence showing up.
We have to be compassionate towards Saul. His entire belief system as he knew it was crumbling down. His pride justified hate. He was wrong in his right-ness. The author, creator and arbiter of righteousness was staring him face to face. He became disoriented. For three days he could not eat, drink nor see, and friends had to lead him by the hand.
Such is the light that blinds. However, Jesus wants connection through this holy disorientation. Disorientation is a holy invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus and a vulnerable conversation with ourselves. Don’t rush past this moment. Don’t underestimate the note that it took three days. Days of disorientation are an invitation to let this living light into all the places where his light is needed.
Reflect
Where do you need the light of Christ to shine in a particular area of your life?
Act
Ask Jesus to enter into a particular situation where you feel at a loss, confused, or disoriented. Ask him to show you where he is and let him shed light in your darkness.
Prayer
God of light, God of love, God of self-giving love. Thank you that in our worst moments you come to us with light and love, and an invitation to live rather than to continue in our works that may lead to death. Shine your light. Light our path. Illuminate our hearts. Lift our countenance, loving Jesus. Shed hope in the places where we feel lost. Forgive us for the ways we haven’t loved well. Lead us by the hand. Show us the way with your light. Amén.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project’s online commentary. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Work and Christian Identity (Acts 8-12).
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Inés Velásquez-McBryde
Chaplain at Fuller Theological Seminary & Pastor, Preacher, Speaker
Inés Velásquez-McBryde is a pastor, preacher, reconciler and mujerista theologian. She is the lead pastor and co-founder of The Church We Hope For. She is originally from Nicaragua, a third generation pastor, and the first pastora in her family. Inés earned her MDiv at Fuller Theolo...