He Regained Strength

The man named Saul traveled to Damascus with a plan. He would take Christians as prisoners and deliver them to Jerusalem where they would be judged and found guilty. But he was in for a surprise. As he traveled, a voice and a bright supernatural light overcame him. The voice said, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? (Acts 9:4b NIV)

What could he have thought when the voice identified itself as the voice of Jesus? To make matters even worse, Saul was affected physically: For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. (v. 9)

But nothing was outside God's plan. Paul followed the instructions of the voice by going to Damascus and staying with the very people he'd planned to persecute. Then God sent Ananias, a human instrument of healing and encouragement. Ananias laid his hands on Saul and said Jesus sent him so Saul's sight would be restored and so Saul would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. (v. 18)

God had prepared everything in advance. With new eyes Saul would receive revelation. It was a beginning. Strength would be important for the man Saul who was about to become the disciple named Paul.

Originally published June 7, 1985.

Spiritual Eyes

Jesus healed a man who was born blind. When his neighbors questioned him about the healing, he told them, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed and then I could see.” (Jn. 9:11) NIV

Strange circumstances and a remarkable event—people pay attention when a blind man receives physical sight. But the story isn’t complete. The people questioned him further before the Pharisees came to challenge and rebuke him.

He became testy in return: “Now that is remarkable. . . ! If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (v. 30a,33)

At that, the Pharisees reacted with anger. They, threw him out. (v. 34b)

When Jesus heard how the man had been treated, He found the beleageued fellow. Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (v. 35b)

Confused and hurting, the man cried out, “Who is he, sir. . . ? Tell me. . . .” (v. 36)

And then Jesus opened the man’s spiritual eyes so he could respond in faith. With his newly-received spiritual eyes he said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped him. (v. 38)

Originally published November 22, 1983

Picture: Patty's Garden, 2008. Photo by Solveig.