The Only Response

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Acts 9:6

The “road to Damascus” is a very well-known story of Saul. After the death of Jesus on the cross, Saul was threatening and murdering followers of Christ. On his journey to Damascus, looking to arrest those that were following “the Way,” Jesus approaches him in a light. Saul, apparently astounded by what is happening, falls to the ground.

A brief conversation ensues, not even really long enough to call it a conversation. Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him and reveals himself by saying, “I am Jesus who you are persecuting.”

That’s it. A small exchange, but notice the response of Saul.

“Lord, what do you want me to do?” Acts 9:6.

When coming face-to-face with a Holy God, there is only one response – obedience. Fully obedient, fully volunteering.

This is the consistent picture throughout Scripture of those that encounter God.

Isaiah 6 gives us a dramatic picture where God approaches Isaiah, and he has a similar response to Saul. After having his sins forgiven, God is looking for someone for a job, and Isaiah emphatically explains, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:9

Isaiah is completely obedient, volunteering with an exclamation point.

A holy God demands obedience. If this is true, a question that should ring in all of our minds is, “obedient to what” or “where do I find these instructions that require obedience?”

Moses found his instructions in a burning bush. Saul found his instructions in a light. God can speak any way He chooses, often through other people. Never discount this, because He is sovereign.

But, we live in a confusing world. New “truths” are coming at us every day. Our emotions can play tricks on us. Our hearts are “deceitfully wicked.” There is only one place for pure, absolute truth – God’s Word. The Bible is called God’s Word for a reason. It is a book, an instruction manual, for man.

So, rather than constantly looking and wondering what God’s will for your life is, read His Word. His will for your life is in this book. What he is asking of you is in this book. The Bible brings clarity to a confusing world.

Read God’s Word, then do life. His truth will guide you in conversations, in decisions, in understanding. Submerse yourself in His Word, and, when you hear that message, you’ll know it is from Him.

And, there is only one response. Obedience.

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