Have you ever had the sensation of being alone in a crowd? It might have been at work, at worship, or even at home. The reason for feeling alone varies, but the premise of having a singular experience despite others being with us is what that teen refers to. This was Saul’s experience on the day of his divine Damascus Road encounter. We reflect on the idea of being alone in a crowd as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Acts 9:5-7 AMP
[5] And Saul said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting,
[6] now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
[7] The men who were travelling with him [were terrified and] stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Witnesses to the Call
A few lifetimes ago, I traversed the Grenada-Carriacou ferry route. My companions had gone upstairs the boat, and I stayed downstairs to experience firsthand this exotic journey. About a third of the way in, I heard the captain announce that the underwater volcano was active, so we should secure our belongings. I was not a sailor nor a swimmer, but I continued standing to observe what would take place.
Siblings, it was rough! I kid you not, that volcano was aptly called Kick ’em Jenny’. The ferry was dancing up and down on the waters, and I loved it! Until I abruptly found myself sitting on the floor of the boat, I got there completely by force. It was a bit embarrassing, so I was looking around me to ensure no one saw me. Others may have, but they were also trying to keep their balance. I wasn’t totally alone, but I wished I was.
Self-Check
Have you had that kind of experience spiritually or naturally? What was your response?
Application
Since my Kick ’em Jenny experience, I’ve always felt that Saul hoped the men didn’t see what had happened. It couldn’t have been good for his ego, Saul – the one who would cleanse the evil from Jewish territory, who’d secured papers to further the cause – was on the ground being chastised by God. He alone was under God’s spotlight among his companions. He alone was on his knees spiritually. The men were present but didn’t have a clue.
Inasmuch as I was the only one to land on the floor among the 60+ persons aboard the boat, inasmuch as Saul was the only one fully experiencing that divine encounter, so it is that what we hear and experience with God might not wholly be understood by those around us. Siblings, the fact remains, others may be ‘witnesses’ to our conversion-conviction experience, but they won’t have a full grasp of what happened. It’s between us and YHWH. No one can take that away.
That doesn’t mean that others can’t state some of the facts. But those men were likely to be Roman soldiers and not remotely interested in the things of YHWH. Ironically, the seemingly bizarre nature of their journey with Saul might have impacted them, resulting in their choosing Y’shua at a later point. Just like it was with Stephen and Saul, or with the sailors and Jonah. We can’t discount the potential impact of our divine encounter on another’s life.
Siblings, what might feel like the most embarrassing spiritual moment in our life, could be the turning point for someone else. Perhaps it’s time to release ourselves from the lies of the enemy that tries to inflict shame on us in accepting God’s grace, because the enemy isn’t a reliable witness.
Point to Ponder
How might our most profoundly disquieting spiritual experience have impacted a witness to that moment? Give it to God for transformation.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
