CHILD-FRIENDLY ENCOUNTER!

Acts 9:1-22 GNT

In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest [2] and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. [3] As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?" [5] "Who are you, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you persecute," the voice said. [6] "But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do." [7] The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. [8] Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. [9] For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything. [10] There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, "Ananias!" "Here I am, Lord," he answered. [11] The Lord said to him, "Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, [12] and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again." [13] Ananias answered, "Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. [14] And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you." [15] The Lord said to him, "Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. [16] And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake." [17] So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. "Brother Saul," he said, "the Lord has sent me-Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." [18] At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; [19] and after he had eaten, his strength came back. Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. [20] He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. [21] All who heard him were amazed and asked, "Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?" [22] But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him.

 

Memory Verse: “Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” Acts 9:3

Do you know what an encounter means? It’s when you meet someone in a way that changes your life forever!

Paul had such an encounter on the road to Damascus. He was going to hurt Christians because he thought he was doing the right thing. But then something amazing happened—Jesus met him! A bright light shone from heaven, and Paul heard Jesus speak to him. That day changed Paul’s life forever.

Sometimes we think doing church things or being very religious is enough, but what God really wants is for us to know Him personally. Paul thought he was serving God, but he didn’t really know Jesus until that day.

Other people in the Bible had encounters too:

Abraham met God in Genesis 18.

Moses saw God in a burning bush (Exodus 3).

Gideon met God when he was afraid (Judges 6).

Jacob had a dream of heaven (Genesis 28).

Even the thief on the cross met Jesus and was saved (Luke 23:32–43).

An encounter with God changes everything! It makes us new and helps us follow His plan. If you haven’t met Jesus yet, you can ask Him into your heart today.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.  What part of your life needs God to help you change?

2.  How do you act when God changes your plans?

3.  Do you think going to church is the same as knowing Jesus? Why or why not?

4.  How can you make time to talk to God every day?

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for loving me. Please give me a fresh encounter with You that will change my life. Help me to follow Your plan every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shalom!