This is Paul’s later account of his experience on the road to Damascus that fateful day where EVERYTHING changed for him. We first read about it in Acts 9. Spurgeon even said that no amount of preaching would have ever dissuaded Saul from his murderous pursuit of the people of the Way.
When I first read this account as a new Christian, it really resonated in my heart. No, I was not a persecutor of Jesus followers, but I was far from Him. I could really relate to having the scales of my spiritual eyes fall off so I could see Jesus for the first time.
I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’ Acts 26:14
This is Paul’s later account of his experience on the road to Damascus that fateful day where EVERYTHING changed for him. We first read about it in Acts 9. Spurgeon even said that no amount of preaching would have ever dissuaded Saul from his murderous pursuit of the people of the Way. He would have, and indeed did, hurry off the preachers of the risen Christ to prison or a worse fate. Only the Spirit of God would reach him and as we see by this incredible act of God’s mercy, become one of the most dramatic conversions of all time. In fact, everything changed for all of history for us as gentiles because of this profound encounter. The hunter becomes the evangelist…wow, that is a transformation!!
When I first read this account as a new Christian, it really resonated in my heart. No, I was not a persecutor of Jesus followers, but I was far from Him. I could really relate to having the scales of my spiritual eyes fall off so I could see Jesus for the first time. As I sit with and reflect on this story now years later, I am drawn to the significance of Jesus speaking Saul’s name.
We see there are numerous times throughout scripture where God speaks someone’s name more than once. I notice that in those instances, He is about to do something profound with that life that will have a far-reaching impact throughout history.
In Genesis 22:11 we read, “the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Just before Abraham was about to sacrifice his long-awaited child of promise.
In Genesis 46:2 we read, “And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”
“Here I am,” he replied” just before Israel (Jacob), in obedience, packed up all his belongings and travelled from Canaan to Egypt to join his beloved son Joseph, where God reaffirmed His covenant promise of making Israel into a great nation.
In Exodus 3:4, 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” where God called this murderer to lead His enslaved people out of Egypt and to become God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel.
1Samuel 3:10, 10 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening (Hineni)”, as God called Samuel to be one of the greatest prophets of all time. The last of the period of Judges to God’s people and used to usher in the age of the Kings.
We see this pattern repeated in the New Testament as well with Martha, as she is distracted by many things, Jesus repeats her name inviting her to pause, reflect and choose “the better thing” … deeper communion with Him. With Peter, at the last supper - Simon, Simon - He speaks as He speaks of Peter’s denial and restoration which then empowers Peter to become a foundational rock for the early church which Saul was persecuting.
A few things I notice as I reflect on these encounters where God speaks their names, the first is transformation of the name called. Notice Saul, full of fury and hatred is transformed to become one of the humblest early church fathers who had an incredible heart for ALL peoples. Jesus’ use of Saul’s name was not to judge Saul but really to rescue Him, an invitation to a deeper knowing and relationship with Jesus and then in turn to commission Paul to a life of service for his Lord.
Another thing I notice is the response of those whose name was spoken…each of them responded with a form of “Here I am” or the Greek word “Hineni”…. I love this word and it has become my hearts cry: Below is an excerpt written by Nina Beth Cardin for 929, www.sefaria.org
Whatever it was, God chose Moses and called his name. “Moses, Moses.” And Moses answered, as did Abraham and Jacob before him and Samuel after him: “Hineni, here I am.”
A stunning response. “Hineni” is a pure, astonished, unguarded affirmation given before all the facts are known. It is a spontaneous, unequivocal commitment promising: “I am here”, and as you found me, fully attentive, focused, all in. And even more, “I am here”- all of me, with all that I am and all that I can be.
“Hineni” is a response of sacred and undiluted presence, a response in which the self-sheds all reservations, which expands the boundaries of self, indicating a readiness to receive and respond to whatever experience is about to unfold. It is brave and humble.
It is the kind of response we offer only a few times in our lives. When we promise ourselves to the One we love not knowing what the future might bring; when we gaze into a newborn’s eyes and promise we will never let them down. When we promise ourselves – as we enter a new era of our lives - to be all that we can be.
Isaiah and Ananias also responded to God’s call with Hineni, and although Saul never utters these words in scripture, we see his life from this point onward, live out the heart of it for the remainder of his days.
Some say Saul was converted on that Road that day, but I would counter that as Jesus spoke His name, Saul, for the first time saw, really saw, his sin and hardened heart towards the Messiah, the One who came to seek and save the lost and once he did, he may have even prayed that old Jewish Hineni canter or prayer: Hineni he'ani mima'as. Here I am, impoverished in deeds and merit. But nevertheless, I have come before You, God, to plead on behalf of Your people…
Paul shows us through this encounter that it is not just being confronted with the Truth that saves and transforms us, it is our response to the Truth. Is Jesus speaking your name…trying to get your attention…speaking to your heart? Perhaps He is awaiting your response to do something dramatic and profound in your life and the lives of those around us. How will you respond? I know my response… Hineni my Beloved, Hineni.
Fondly, Melody
