The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Overcoming Societal Judgments

Tom Graves

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June 11, 2026

Overcoming societal judgment is challenging and requires God’s strength, as Zacchaeus’s story illustrates. We may like to think people’s critical comments don’t affect us, but they do. As Jesus entered the town of Jericho on His way to die for our sins, He encountered a man named Zacchaeus. He was so eager to see Him he climbed up a sycamore-fig tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

Luke 19:5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. [1]

In this brief moment, we gain insight into the hearts of those who witnessed the interaction between Zacchaeus and Jesus. Instead of rejoicing in God’s grace, our sinful nature often seeks to drag people down to our level. The good news is we don’t have to respond this way. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2]

Focus on Jesus

When the crowd grumbled at Zacchaeus for Jesus’s desire to stay at his house, he was undeterred. Despite his status and wealth as the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus felt empty inside. The crowd was displeased with Zacchaeus, but Jesus’ love enveloped him, enabling him to move beyond their comments.

In the Gospels, the religious leaders often complained about the people Jesus ministered to. Zacchaeus may have been a person of questionable character, but no one is beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd. Paul tells us about the importance of pressing forward with our eyes on Jesus. Philippians 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.[3]

Building Up Others

As believers in Jesus, we have many opportunities along our journey of faith to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [4] In a world quick to criticize and condemn, we best reflect Jesus by choosing words that heal rather than hurt.

In a culture driven by opinions and public judgment, our encouragement stands as a strong testament to grace and compassion. Overcoming societal judgment isn’t about tearing others down but about faithfully uplifting them in love. By doing so, we become instruments in the Lord’s hands, helping to make people whole through Jesus’s love.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation Tyndale House Publishers.

Joyful Reception of Jesus

Paula K. Graves

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June 10, 2026

Zacchaeus had climbed a tree to see Jesus, and Jesus asked to come to his house. Zacchaeus responded with a joyful reception of Jesus. Luke 19: 5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” 6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. [1]

While Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus, Jesus was the one who took the initiative. “This is the only instance in the four Gospels of Jesus inviting Himself to someone’s home.”[2] Jesus did not preach condemnation to Zacchaeus. It appears that Jesus wanted to have a meal and time to spend together with Zacchaeus.

This is the kind of situation John described. Revelation 3: 20 “Look! I (Jesus) stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.[3] Jesus desires a relationship with us.

Zacchaeus’ Response

Zacchaeus was not embarrassed or irritated that Jesus had invited Himself over for a meal. On the contrary, he received the Lord with great excitement and joy. He immediately climbed down from the tree and took Jesus to his house.

The Greek word translated quickly in verse 6 is “speudo.”It can mean to make haste or to desire earnestly.[4] I think Zacchaeus hurried down from the tree because he really did earnestly desire a visit from Jesus. His joyful response demonstrated his faith and a willing heart.

The community saw him as a notorious sinner. They couldn’t believe that he was redeemable. He was used to ignoring what people said about him, and he continued to ignore the crowd. At this point, he seems to be willing to change his life.

How do We Receive Jesus?

Even though Zacchaeus was a wayward Jew, he would have known what David said. Psalm 16: 10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. [5]

Our story takes place only days before Jesus will be crucified. The Father will not let Jesus stay in the tomb, and three days later, Jesus will rise from the dead. At this point, Zacchaeus would not know this. But he would have known that there was joy in the presence of God with the promise of living forever. Jesus, as the Son of God, brought that joy.

The presence of Jesus transformed Zacchaeus and can still transform us today. Our joyful reception of Jesus’ transforming work comes through faith. Jesus did pay the price for our sins on the cross. When we confess and repent, He begins to make us new. Our obedience to Jesus will bring joy and fulfillment that the world can never give. How do you receive Jesus?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1,3,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 252). Victor Books.

[4] G4692, Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Jesus Knows Your Name

Tom Graves

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June 9, 2026

Today, billions of people inhabit the earth, yet Jesus knows your name and understands your struggles. Scripture calls believers the sheep of His pasture, and our loving Shepherd knows each of us personally, even when we don’t know Him. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, was making His way toward Jerusalem to lay down His life on the cross for our sins. Yet, He still took time to minister to individuals along the way—even the most unlikely. One such man was Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of the region. He was a man of great wealth but little honor in his community.

When Jesus entered his town, Zacchaeus was determined to see Him. Because he was short in stature and unable to see over the crowd, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree along the roadside where Jesus was about to pass. One can only imagine the anticipation building in his heart as the sound of the approaching crowd grew louder. Then Jesus drew near to the very tree in which he was perched. Luke 19:5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” [1].

Jesus Wants Us to Know Him Personally

 When Jesus Christ called Zacchaeus by name, it likely came as a shock. Not only does Jesus know Zacchaeus’s name, but He also understands that his deepest need is not wealth or status, but to become a child of God. That is the only way he can be made whole. Instead of keeping His distance, Jesus expressed a desire to spend time with Zacchaeus. He even chose to be a guest in his home. This choice is especially significant because, as a tax collector, Zacchaeus is probably disliked and avoided by many in the community. Yet Jesus deliberately sought him out and stayed at his house.

That personal, unexpected encounter changed everything, transforming Zacchaeus into someone new. In the same way, Jesus cares about you. He understands the struggles you face and sees the wrong choices we have all made. Yet He still desires a relationship with us. The words written by the Apostle John speak to Jesus’ desire to have a relationship with you. Revelation 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. [2]

The Urgency of Jesus

Jesus’s words to Zacchaeus about coming down from the tree and staying at his home carry a sense of urgency. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s heart was ripe and open to further conversation, and He made time for him. Although Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to sacrifice Himself for our sins, He still paused to help someone in need. Jesus desired to make him whole. Jesus’s sense of urgency should influence how we perceive others around us.

Who around you needs a word of encouragement, prayer, or to hear the good news about Jesus? Sometimes this person may be a stranger, yet the Lord is prompting us to act to care for someone who needs to be made whole. Jesus knows everyone’s names, even when we do not. When we see others through His perspective, we can recognize and serve them as He leads us.  Remember, Jesus knows your name. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Climbing to See Jesus

Paula K. Graves

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June 8, 2026

Zacchaeus was a worldly, wealthy man. But we see him climbing to see Jesus in our story. Luke 19: 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.[1] Jesus had been ministering for three years and was well known as a preacher and healer. He had just healed a blind man on the way into town, and this news had probably preceded Him.

Zacchaeus was a wealthy government official, but there was a problem. He was too short to see over the crowds. It seemed everyone in town wanted a glimpse of this miracle worker. In that culture, grown men did not run as it was not considered proper. Grown men also did not climb trees because that was childish. It would have been humiliating to be seen running in public, let alone to be seen climbing a tree.

Desperate Actions

Zacchaeus’ actions demonstrate his strong desire to see Jesus. A sycamore tree with its wide lateral limbs is easy to climb and would have given him a good view of the street. We are not told of his mental state as he embarrassed himself by running and climbing a tree. Was Zacchaeus tired of his life? Did he want a change? Why did Jesus intrigue him? We don’t know for sure.

Even today, many adults would like to get closer to Jesus but find it uncomfortable and potentially costly. They are afraid of being shamed in public and so avoid seeking Jesus. Yet, Jesus is willing to meet us where we are. Matthew 9: 12 When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”[2]

Jesus Has Mercy

Jesus can see past our human limitations because He understands our desire for connection and wholeness. Psalm 139: 1O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.[3]

We have an enemy who does not want us to get closer to Jesus. Satan will use anything he can to put obstacles in our way. Pride often keeps us from humbling ourselves and seeking Jesus. We often don’t want to admit our faults and our need for a Savior. Yet our hearts yearn for the peace and hope that come from knowing Jesus.

It can be a battle, but the Holy Spirit advocates for us. Romans 8: 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.[4] Jesus will meet us where we are because Jesus wants to connect with us. Just as Zacchaeus was climbing to see Jesus, Jesus will meet us in our meager effort to reach Him. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Worldly Wealth and Spiritual Poverty

Tom Graves

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June 7, 2026

Zacchaeus’s story was one of worldly wealth and spiritual poverty until he was drawn to Jesus. Our Savior was journeying to Jerusalem to lay down His life for sinners.Luke 19:1Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.[1]

In many ways, Zacchaeus was a lost sheep seeking the wrong things in his life. He was caught up in the world while neglecting the most important part of life. As we drift away from the Lord, we begin to fill our lives with what the world says is important because that is the voice we are listening to. Jesus had asked His disciples a question earlier. Mark 8:36And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”[2]

Although Zacchaeus would have been seen as successful by world standards, the Lord was at work in his heart, revealing his need for something more. For any of us, only Jesus can make us whole, and that is through a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus Sees Our Spiritual Poverty

As we toil on this earth, Jesus sees our spiritual poverty. He sees how we struggle to fill our lives with things that never satisfy. Because Jesus loves us, He not only sees us, but is the God of intervention who reaches out to us. No matter how far you have drifted away from the Lord, His love can draw us back as we humble ourselves. When we humble ourselves, we realize life does not go on forever, and then what?

Joel 2:12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. [3] Worldly wealth can often hold us in what some describe as the velvet handcuffs. It is the Lord who opens our eyes and reveals the depth of our spiritual poverty and that true riches found in Him. Jesus calls Himself the Light of the world. When we turn to Him as our Savior, we walk out of the world’s darkness into His marvelous light and are made whole.

Put on the New Nature in Christ

Paul writes about the importance of leaving behind our old life. Ephesians 4:22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. [4] There is something about putting on the new nature in Christ that changes our life in this world and the next.

As we begin to look at life through a different lens, everything changes. That is because the Holy Spirit leads us on a different path in life. Wholeness does not come from adding more to our lives. Wholeness comes from surrendering what we have and who we are to Him. When we admit our emptiness, Jesus fills us with His presence. In Him, the spiritually poor find true riches—peace with God, restored identity, and lasting joy. Only Jesus can take a life that looks complete on the outside and make it truly whole within. To learn more about worldly wealth and spiritual poverty, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/called-to-wholeness-through-faith

[1-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

See Through God’s Eyes

Paula K. Graves

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June 6, 2026

God had told Ananias that He had a mission for Saul. This enabled Ananias to see through God’s eyes. Ananias knew of Saul’s reputation for persecuting Christians and was understandably afraid of him. But Ananias’ faith was stronger than his fear, and he obeyed God’s instructions.

Acts 9: 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”[1]

Ananias knew that Saul’s original intention was to come and imprison the believers, including himself. Ananias offers significant insight by greeting Saul as a brother. Saul had done nothing to prove that he had changed, but Ananias chose to see Saul not by his past but by God’s promise.

God’s Restoration

Saul couldn’t see Anaias as he arrived, but he would have sensed God’s love through the laying on of hands. Here, the power of God was working through a human. A complete transformation often involves both divine intervention and human action. Acts 9: 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. [2]

God, through Ananias’s hands, restored Saul’s physical sight, but more importantly, the Holy Spirit filled him. God doesn’t just fix us, He fills us. True restoration is not merely external; the Holy Spirit empowers it. It is the Spirit who equips us for purpose, witness, and endurance. This transformation is not for individual gain, but to empower us for service in the Kingdom.

How Do We Accept the Restored?

We all need God’s restoration as we are all sinners. But it is easy to let someone’s past color our opinion of them. We do need discernment as we deal with others, and that is why we need to see through God’s eyes. We can ask God to show us what He sees. God sees what can be.

When God transforms someone, we must allow our perspective to change, too. The church must learn to welcome redeemed people without suspicion defining the relationship. Is there someone you struggle to see as God sees them? How can we extend grace before we see the full fruit of restoration?

God often restores people we never would expect for major tasks. N.T. Wright makes this comment about God choosing Saul to be His chosen instrument to take the Gospel to the Gentiles: “When you want to reach the pagan world, the person to do it will be a hard-line, fanatical, ultra-nationalist, super-orthodox Pharisaic Jew. And then they say that God doesn’t have a sense of humour.”[3]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation

[1-2 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Wright, T. (2008). Acts for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1-12 (p. 145). Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Being an Instrument of God

Tom Graves

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June 5, 2026

Being an instrument of God to build His Kingdom is a gift only He can bestow upon us. As the story of Saul—whom we later come to know as the Apostle Paul—unfolds, he believes he is building God’s Kingdom by persecuting believers.

Yet on his way to Damascus to continue this mission, the Lord suddenly interrupted his journey. Jesus revealed His true identity as the one whom Saul was persecuting. On that day, the Lord brought Paul to a Y in the road along his spiritual journey, redirecting him in a completely life-changing way. In that divine interruption, God did more than change Saul’s path—He redefined his identity. This moment reminds us that transition is not just about a new direction, but about a renewed identity and purpose.

Saul’s New Purpose

As Saul picked himself off the ground, he discovered he was now blind. His friends led him to Damascus, where he remained blind for three days, neither eating nor drinking. In this state, the Lord spoke to a believer named Ananias.  He was to go to the house on Straight Street to lay hands on and pray for him so that he could see. Acys 9:15 Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.”[1]

At the same time, Saul was praying because God had turned his world upside down. Through this experience, Saul not only met the living Lord but also had his entire understanding of the Messiah changed. Saul was a scholar of the Old Testament and now realized that Jesus, whom his fellow Jews had killed by nailing Him to the cross, was the Messiah.

In many ways, Paul’s encounter with Jesus reflects the words of the hymn Amazing Grace. “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch, like me! I once was lost but now am found; I was blind, but now I see.”[2] Just as God gave John Newton, the composer of Amazing Grace, a new purpose and identity, He did the same for Paul.

Redeemed for a Purpose

As Ananias prayed for Saul, the scales fell from his eyes, and then he got up and was baptized. With new spiritual eyes, Paul rises as a believer in Jesus, transformed not only in what he sees but in who he is becoming. He is someone the Lord will use to bring many to faith. His story reminds us that redemption is never meant to stop at personal belief; it always carries a greater purpose.

When the Lord opens our eyes, He calls us beyond simply receiving grace to being an instrument of God. He will use us to bring that grace into the lives of others. Like Paul, our redemption is not the finish line. It is the beginning of a new assignment and transition shaped by God’s purpose. The same Lord who transforms our hearts also sends us out to reflect His light and lead others toward faith. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:15). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/313

Obeying God Can Stretch Us

Tom Graves

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June 4, 2026

Obeying God can stretch us because it often requires leaving our comfort zones. This fosters spiritual growth by deepening our faith and by trusting His wisdom more than our own. Although challenging, this “holy stretch” encourages us to go beyond self-reliance. It can foster a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit and lead to increased blessings and personal growth. Ananias faced this kind of holy stretching when he heard the Lord call him to minister to Saul, who later became Paul in the New Testament.

In Damascus, a believer named Ananias heard the Lord in a vision. The Lord told him to go to Straight Street, to Judas’s house, and find Saul from Tarsus, who was praying. God also revealed to Saul a vision of Ananias coming to heal him so he could see again.[1]

Acts 9:13“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” [2] Like many people, as we respond to the Lord’s voice, it may not make sense in the natural because we don’t know what God knows and must simply walk by faith.

Who Knows Better Than God?

One of humanity’s greatest sins is thinking we know more than God. This often results in rebellion against God’s instructions. When we accept His commands by faith, we step into the boat of trust as Ananias did. This doesn’t mean it is easy. Initially, Ananias questioned God. He probably doubted that Saul could ever become a follower of Jesus.

Despite these justified feelings, Ananias obeyed God and ministered to Saul. Ananias shows that true wisdom is not trusting our own judgment but humbly obeying God. Obedience is required even when His commands challenge our thinking. In our Christian walk, we must surrender to God, trust His greater perspective, and act in faithful obedience. In doing so, our willingness to obey may become part of His redemptive work in someone else’s life.

Why Obeying God Matters

 Obeying God isn’t merely about following rules or adhering to instructions. It’s about building a life grounded in faith, trust, and a sincere relationship with Him. Obedience to God shapes every area of our lives. It demonstrates our faith in His plan and offers a way to live with purpose, peace, and hope in the promises of eternity.

Choosing to obey God brings us closer to Him, just as strengthening a relationship with a trusted friend or parent involves listening to and following their advice. In the same way, Ananias had to move from fear of Saul to faith in God’s word—reminding us that sometimes our own transition of trust is connected to someone else’s transformation.

To learn more of how obeying God can stretch us, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation

[1] Summary of Acts 9:10-12 from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:13–14). Tyndale House Publishers.

God Works in the Dark

Paula K. Graves

no comments

June 3, 2026

The vision of Jesus had left Saul blind, but God works in the dark. Acts 9: 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. [1]

Saul was the up-and-coming star of the Pharisees and, even as a young man, was considered one of their top leaders. But instead of being in control of the situation, he had to be led into town by his hand like a child. That had to be terribly humbling for this proud man. Scripture tells us that Saul fasted for three days. Fasting indicates a period of mourning or repentance. For three days, Saul saw nothing, but God was doing everything.

Rethinking Jesus’ Identity

Saul had assumed that Jesus was a dead heretic. Yet, Saul had seen the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. That meant that the Christians must be right. Jesus had risen from the dead; the resurrection was true. God had kept all the promises of a Messiah, but had done it in a scandalous way. God had accomplished everything in the person of Jesus.

As part of his training, Saul had memorized most of what we call the Old Testament and did not need to read Scripture. He could mentally review what the Law and the Prophets said. He could take what he knew about Jesus and begin correlating it with what the Law and the Prophets had predicted. As he did, the truth would have forced him to conclude that Jesus met all the requirements of the Messiah and fulfilled all the prophecies.

Saul had valued his own righteousness as a Pharisee. But now that he recognized Jesus as the Messiah, Saul realized he had been acting in direct opposition to God’s will. Instead of honoring God, he had been persecuting Him. He had sinned and needed a Savior.

Discerning in the Darkness

God used the three days of fasting to turn Saul’s world upside down. As Saul considered the Scripture through the lens of Jesus the Messiah, it would have confirmed everything he had been taught. At the same time, it also overturned everything he knew. This new truth tore apart the way he had interpreted the Law and the Prophets and put them back together in a totally new way. During these three days, Saul had to die to self so God could resurrect him as a believer.

A spiritual awakening often leads to a season of disorientation. God works in this phase to strip away old perspectives and prepares us for a new life in Him. He works in the dark times to give us renewed vision and purpose in Jesus. It often takes a period of darkness to give us time for self-examination that we would not otherwise have. What feels like darkness may actually be divine construction. God used Saul’s three days of blindness to rebuild his identity, theology, and mission.

What God did for Saul, He can do for us. We can trust Him to work in our darkest times, guiding us into a new season. Where does your life feel dark right now? Can you trust that God is working even when you cannot see? To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:8–9). Tyndale House Publishers.

From Blinded Eyes to Spiritual Sight

Tom Graves

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June 2, 2026

Saul experienced going from blinded eyes to spiritual sight.  Saul, who we know as the Apostle Paul, experienced this when Jesus revealed Himself to him. As a devout Pharisee, Saul was a very religious man, yet he was spiritually blind to who Jesus was, which led to his persecuting believers. Then one day, Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus and revealed to Him who He was. We can deceive ourselves into thinking we have faith because we have biblical knowledge. Although biblical knowledge is valuable, what is important is having a relationship with Jesus.

In God’s mercy, as Saul neared Damascus, a heavenly light shone around him. He fell, hearing a voice say, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you persecute! Get up, go into the city, and you will be told what to do.” The men with Saul heard the voice but saw no one, remaining speechless.[1]

     Acts 9: 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. [2] Saul’s physical blindness now mirrored his spiritual state. In seasons of spiritual transition, God often intervenes to reveal our need for Him.                                              

Surrender Your darkness to Receive His Light

This moment in Saul’s life parallels the broader biblical narrative in which God uses unlikely individuals to fulfill His mission. The Apostle Paul is a great hero of the Bible, but at the time of his calling, he was not well-known. In John 8:12, Jesus declared Himself the Light of the World. Later, on the road to Damascus, He confronted Saul and revealed that His light can penetrate even the darkest heart—bringing salvation and transformation.

This encounter disrupted Saul’s self-image, both physically and spiritually. So far in Acts, Saul has been portrayed as competent and independent, but in this humbling moment, he has to rely on others. This period of humility will prompt Saul to surrender to the Lord and start a new chapter in his life. This is when Saul became Paul.

Transitioning to Spiritual Sight

Following Saul’s encounter with Jesus, he was blind for three days. This gave him time to reflect on his life. He realized that despite his zeal for God, his recent activity of arresting Christians had been in direct opposition to God. The voice from heaven revealed to him that in persecuting Christians, he was actually persecuting Jesus. During his blindness, Paul probably reflected on the prophecies about the coming Messiah and was led to see that Jesus fulfilled them.

Periods of disruption—such as loss, failure, illness, and disappointment—can be used by God to slow us down so we can truly understand. When life interrupts our plans, instead of resisting, we can ask, “Lord, what are You showing me?” Often, our most profound spiritual insights occur through uncomfortable pauses. To learn more about transitioning from blinded eyes to spiritual sight, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/transition-follows-transformation

[1] Summary of Acts 9:3-7 from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:8–9). Tyndale House Publishers.

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