No explanation, just a command.
Blind and shattered by an event he could neither explain nor understand, he waited.
“I am Jesus…” The words still echoed deep within him.
Life could never be the same again.
On the road he met the one he was intent on destroying and in a moment his life was completely transformed.
It had not been a gentle encounter.
The violence of the confrontation had literally unhorsed him.
Alone, in an unfamiliar place he waited unsure of what would happen next. Three days and then the knock at the door, “Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you…” This was a much gentler meeting; Ananias, unsure but obedient, spoke words that brought comfort and healing.
“He sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
Paul did not resist; the events of the last three days so mystified him he was left unsure and powerless. He simply submitted to Ananias.
“He was healed and was baptized…”
He became what he hated three days before, a disciple of the Lord Jesus.
His changed heart did not change his passion; that was a gift from God. He repented, refocused and quickly recommitted to the call on his heart: Serve God with all your heart.
“At once he began to preach in the synagogues.”
He did not allow his former ignorance to stop him from fulfilling the call on his life.
“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13
Forget what is behind, it is a distraction and a snare that traps and limits us.
Like Paul, once our eyes are opened, we press forward.
Fully committed to the only worthwhile goal, Jesus.