As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. Acts 9:3
A disciple of Jesus is someone who by the grace of God has accepted to follow, worship and serve as a witness for Jesus Christ till eternity comes (Acts 11:26, Matthew 4:18-22).
No one is a disciple of Christ from the time of birth, and that is why Jesus taught Nicodemus about the need to be born again (John 3:3-5). A Christian disciple’s journey through life starts from the time of conversion, when one encounters or is presented with the opportunity to accept Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior.
As Saul journeyed to Damascus his agenda was to fight and terminate Christ’s followers. As wicked as his intent was, God still cared for his soul. When the Light of the gospel shone and the voice of Jesus from heaven came, he got convicted when He heard Jesus saying “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)
Saul responded with a sincere question “Who are You, Lord?”(Acts 9:5a).
Jesus always willing to save anyone answered “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” (Acts 9:5)
Saul, having heard the word and call to follow Christ replied, “Lord what do you want me to do”? (Acts 9:6)
Remember, the making of a disciple does not start with being baptized as a child or even as an adult. It does not start by being a long standing member of a church congregation or holding a title as an ordained member. It does not start by being active in ministry. It starts with conversion, a new birth experience and it is followed by a definite commitment to obey Jesus. For some like Paul a dramatic one, for others, like Nicodemus a solemn, genuine acceptance of Christ as Master and Lord (John 3:9-18; John 19:38-42)
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be your disciple. I repent from my wicked ways and I accept the message of truth in your Word, the gospel of salvation – That Christ died for my sins and rose again on the third day for my justification. I declare today that Jesus is Lord and ask that you mark me with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.
For further study: Read John Chapter 3, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:8-11