Narrator (9:22)
The final days of Saul's journey were spent under the shadow of Mount Hermon. Wildflowers scaled up the snowy mountaintops. Besides the few clouds covering the peak, the skies were clear and calm. Everything was quiet beneath the mountain as Saul and his companions rode along the dirt path. The only sounds for miles were that of horses, hooves and the occasional bird. There was a stillness in the air that caused Saul to stir in place. It was an uncomfortable silence compared to his disquieted and chaotic mind. While everything on the outside was calm and serene inwardly, Saul continued to reel and rage like a storm. Then, out of the still and silent sky, a light burst forth. It was if reality itself had been cut open with a blade, and light came rushing out like a surging waterfall. The Rays of light cascaded over Saul and his companions. The horses were terrified and threw the men off their backs. The men behind Saul cowered together at a distance and watched the light move like a living thing. It swirled in a brilliant and terrifying dance, directing its power straight at Saul. Suddenly he was surrounded by a whirlwind of living colors. Flashes of bright orange and and hues of pink showered every inch of Saul's body as if washing him clean. Saul couldn't stand for the sheer power he was surrounded by kept him on his knees. The light didn't just envelop him, but it shone within him. At that moment, Saul felt completely and utterly exposed. Whatever strength he had previously felt seemed like weakness. Whatever boldness Saul thought he had seemed like cowardice. Whatever knowledge he had seemed like foolishness. Kneeling under the weight of a brilliant light, Saul was terrifyingly aware of his fragility. For the first time. Saul gripped the dirt in his fists and and looked toward the light source. It was more than light. Something was there with him. Or someone. Out of the radiant whirlwind of flashing colors, a figure shone brighter than all the other bursts of light. A man walked towards him. But he wasn't just a man. Saul, he said. Paul's heart ceased its beating. For a moment, he recognized the voice, like it had been calling out to him for a long time. His voice was familiar, like an old friend, but terrifying, like a feared enemy. Saul. The voice cried out again. Why are you persecuting me? Saul's jaw quivered and his eyes watered. He felt himself succumbing to the weight of this being's glory. Something heavenly was taking place. That much Saul could surmise. He managed to speak with labored breath. Who are you, Lord? Saul looked as the figure drew closer. His face became more evident and his presence even more palpable. He was more than a man. He was God. The heavenly figure knelt down and met Saul face to face. He touched Saul's shoulder and replied, I am Jesus, the one you have been fighting against this entire time. Jesus voice spoke to him and within him. At that moment, time itself seemed utterly meaningless. Saul was caught up in Christ's gaze and heard his voice again saying, it has been hard for you, hasn't it, Saul? Kicking against the goads with a gentle touch of Jesus hand, Saul's entire being felt weightless. The burdens he had held onto were lifted and the chaos of his soul was quieted. Like the storm Jesus spoke to years before. The God who had said, let there be light, spoke light into Saul's. Heart. What am I supposed to do? Saul said with tears falling from his eyes. Oh, Saul, always looking for something to do, jesus replied softly. For now, I need you to rise. Go into the city and remain there. You will be told all you need to know. Jesus stood to his feet and backed away. The light that enveloped Saul pulled back toward Jesus. The light coiled around Jesus, and suddenly he was gone. As soon as he vanished, Saul's eyes grew dim and the light that was once in his eyes faded into nothingness. The image of Christ's face was seared into Saul's mind, and now it was all he could see. Saul had been made entirely blind. He stumbled to his feet as Jesus commanded and searched for his companions. The other men had watched Saul at a distance, enveloped in light and speaking to it. But they did not see Jesus. When it was all over, they ran to their master and surrounded him with questions. But Saul said nothing. Rabbi, what did you see? What happened? They asked. Saul was not fully prepared to answer. Something had changed in him that he could not describe, at least not yet. He was blind, but it was as if he could see clearly for the first time. He could not see the dirt road leading to Damascus, but the path before him was as clear as day. Jesus had not said much. He had not divulged the secrets of the universe to him, nor had he spoken about the mission for the future. Jesus had given one command. Rise and go. So Saul would do as he was told. We will continue to Damascus, saul said with a whisper. We will go there and wait. Wait for. For what? I. I'm not sure. Saul's words trailed off as he recounted what had happened. I will know it when I see it. The others looked at each other with worried faces. Saul could not see anything. So what could he possibly be looking for? I am Jesus. The one you have been fighting against this entire time. The words still echoed within Saul's mind. He was blind, but the image of the risen Jesus could not be wiped from his sight. For three days, Saul was haunted by the recent memories of his brutality against God's people. He felt cut to the soul for what he had been doing. However, he was not hopeless in his regret. With a newfound conviction also came a sense of freedom. He was not chained down by the sins he had committed. He was forgiven. He was more than forgiven. In fact, he was a new person. He did not look new, though. He hadn't eaten anything for three days, and the complexion of a pampered Pharisee had been removed from his face. He sat upright in the room, facing the window without seeing the light. Every few hours, his companions would knock on the door to offer him food, but he refused. Every time, Saul felt the compulsion to rid himself of what made him him. Fasting was a necessary act of stripping himself of everything that made him who he used to be. However, time was not on Saul. Saul sighed. He had to eat or drink sooner or later, or else he might wither away into nothing. So Saul continued to pray, waiting for the voice of Jesus to speak again. The night before, he had had a vision of a man visiting him and restoring his sight. He trusted that this vision would come to pass. He just didn't know when or how. The day rolled along, and Saul remained at the windowsill, turning his face toward the sunlight. The door knocked, but Saul remained silent. The door opened without Saul's permission. He turned his ear toward the back of the room. Who's there? Saul asked. Whoever was in the room walked lightly. Their footsteps were timid and cautious. I would like to be left alone, saul said into the darkness. The stranger stopped right in front of him and knelt down beside him. Without a word, he placed a hand on Saul's head. His touch was gentle, yet firm. A tender power emanated from this stranger. The power felt familiar. His presence was similar to Jesus. Saul's heart began to beat heavily and his palms began to sweat. Who. Who are you? Saul's entire body began to tremble. The presence of God was palpable and brought him to his knees. Saul knelt on the ground, shaking, and his darkened eyes dripping with tears. Ananias knelt beside him and embraced him like a brother. He held the weeping Saul tightly in his arms. He placed one hand on Saul's head and another on his face. In that instant, Saul felt his eyes change. It was as if a thick layer of snake scales were peeling off of his eyes. It was painful and refreshing all at the same time. Slowly, the darkness began to leave him, and slivers of light peeked through the windows of his mind. Saul rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times. Standing before him was Ananias, wearing the gentle smile of Christ. Saul knew at that moment that he would never forget that smile. I. I can see. Saul sighed. Saul could see more than just what was in front of him. The Holy Spirit had come upon him like a torrent of rushing water. The eyes of Saul's soul were opened as well. He was beginning to see the purpose set before him like a dark road illuminated by flickering torchlight. Ananias looked down at Saul and reached out a hand to help him. Saul placed his hands on his knees and struggled to stand. He was malnourished and trembling, but determined to walk the road to the river. They moved slowly past the garden courtyard and down the steps leading to the road. Saul was taking in every vivid color as if he had been blind his entire life. Now that he thought about it, he had always been blind. His ambition blinded him, him to everything and everyone around him. All he could see was the object of his selfish desires. But now that Christ had redeemed him, he had new eyes. He captured every image around him and appreciated it for its pure beauty. The cream colored stone of the city walls shone under the brilliance of the sun and the road leading down to the river was arrayed with freshly bloomed apricot trees. Saul's heart was filling up with deep and unquenchable joy. Saul could not help but think of the psalmist's words, the sun is like a strong man who runs his course. With joy the two of them made it to the Abana River. The water glistened in the sunlight and invited them in with enthusiasm. Saul felt the coolness of the river crawl up his spine and wake him up. He breathed in deeply and held Ananias hand. Ananias looked at Saul and smiled. Saul accepted Ananias words like they were from Jesus himself. Ananias grasped Saul's hand with his left hand and placed his right hand on his back. He dipped him back into the water, then lifted him out. The cascading sunlight split into a million directions as Saul emerged from the water. Saul emerged under the radiance of Christ's arm. Unending love. Saul could not see it, but every angel in heaven was rejoicing over him with a cacophony of praise. The water represented a tomb for Saul, the persecutor. That man was buried and would never return. Emerging from the water was a new man. Just as Christ rose from the grave, Saul was resurrected from the water.
