ODJ: powerful light

September 7, 2014 

READ: Acts 9:1-20 

A light from heaven suddenly shone down around him (v.3).

The “Walkie Talkie”, a 37 storey London skyscraper, created some unique problems during its construction. At times, this concave structure reflected the sun’s rays with dangerous intensity. Television crews used a reflected sunbeam from the building to cook an egg! Residents opposite the building claimed damage to paint and carpet as a result of the intense reflections.
The Bible contains an instance of powerful light that landed on a man and changed him forever. “Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers” (Acts 9:1). He set out to arrest believers in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. When travelling, “a light from heaven suddenly shone down around [Saul]” (v.3). He fell down and heard a voice say, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!” (v.5). When Saul staggered to his feet and opened his eyes, he was blind.

Because of the light Saul lost his eyesight, but he found God. With help from friends, he continued to Damascus where he was baptised, regained his vision and “immediately . . . began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is indeed the Son of God!’ ” (v.20).

Like Saul (who became the apostle Paul), all Christians have been exposed to God’s mighty light—Jesus opened our spiritual eyes when we were saved (John 1:9-13). And God’s light is at work in our hearts today. When we struggle with sin, fear or confusion, we can remember what Paul said: “[The Lord’s] light within you produces only what is good and right and true” (Ephesians 5:8-9). These inner blessings assure us that God, who began His good work in us, will continue it until His Son returns (Philippians 1:6).

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day plan› Luke 21:1-24