The Damascus Road To Repentance
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank." (Acts 9 vs 1 - 9, ESV)
The verses above describe Paul's reckoning, the moments that defined the rest of his life for eternity. The road to Damascus was where he met his Saviour for the first time. It was his road to Repentance.
We will never know 'Repentance' until we meet Jesus in all His fullness. Paul knew of Jesus but he had never met him until that moment on the Damascus Road.
We all have a Damascus road in our journey of life. Some of us have crossed it all already and others are yet to walk its length until we meet personally with the Lord.
There are those who say they believe but have never walked the "Damascus Road'. To them the Christian life is superficial. All perfect on the outside with the correct 'standard of behaviour' that is expected of a Christian. BUT on the inside there is nothing that can prove that they have ever met the Saviour.
Those who have walked the "Damascus Road" know personally what it means to meet the Lord. No one can meet the Lord and not repent. Something's gotta give. Change must occur, that's where Saul became Paul. A new identity. A new purpose. A new destiny. Your story can always be rewritten when you meet with the Lord. A resurrection must take place from a life of death into a newness of living. To seeing eternity from the perspective of the cross. To understanding Salvation that no one can save us besides Jesus Christ.
To walk the Damascus Road means that we leave the old behind and take hold of the new. All this takes place when 'Repentance' comes through meeting the Lord Jesus. Repentance cannot come without meeting Jesus. It's an essential part of living a renewed life - Knowing Jesus!
Today, I encourage you my brothers and sisters in the Lord, don't be afraid to walk the Damascus Road that leads to Repentance, it's the only way to meet God in His Glory. Enjoy His Presence.
Much Blessings,
Shane.
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