A Bright Light for Saul

A bright light from heaven meets Saul on the road to Damascus, and Jesus turns him into a brand-new friend who loves everyone.

Saul did not love Jesus, and his heart was hard and cross. He hurried down the long, dusty road to Damascus, frowning under the hot sun. His feet stamped along quickly, for he was very sure that he was right. He did not know that something wonderful was waiting for him.

Suddenly a bright light shone all around him, brighter than the warm noonday sun. It sparkled and glowed until Saul could not see anything else at all. Saul felt his knees grow soft, and he sank gently down to the ground. His heart began to beat fast, and the busy road grew very still.

Then a kind voice spoke right to him, soft and full of love. “Saul, Saul, why are you against me?” the voice asked gently. Saul trembled and whispered, “Who are you?” And the voice said, “I am Jesus, the One you are against.”

Saul opened his eyes, but he could not see for three whole days. Everything around him was dark and quiet and new. His good friends came close and held his hands so he would not be afraid. Step by step, they walked him softly into the city of Damascus, leading him all the way.

Jesus sent a kind helper named Ananias to come and pray for Saul. Ananias laid his gentle hands on him and asked God to help. All at once something like little scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again, clear and bright! His eyes were open, and deep inside his heart felt new and glad and warm.

The very same man who once hurried to hurt Jesus’ friends now hurried to tell everyone how much Jesus loved them! Later in Acts, Saul is also called Paul, his Roman name. He did not receive a new name on the Damascus road. He traveled to nearby towns and faraway lands, sharing the good news about Jesus’ love.

Thank You, Jesus, that You can change any heart and make it brand-new. Please help my heart to love You more and more each day.