Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Diary Entry of Judas of Straight Street, Damascus--
Now I understand why the Lord chose for me this humble dwelling on Straight Street. For a time, I regretted having moved to this location, but since Saul’s visit, my faith in God and his plans for me has increased tenfold.
I recognized him as soon as I opened my front door. Saul of Tarsus, who breathes threats and murder against disciples of Jesus the Christ. (I heard from reliable sources that he simply stood there while witnesses of Stephen’s stoning laid their cloaks at his feet!)
How could I refuse his entry into my home? For he is a Roman citizen, and I live within Roman jurisdiction. If word returned to the authorities that I refused one of their own, what would befall me? Oh, how I was filled with such fear!
My misgivings about living on a main thoroughfare amplified as Saul crossed the threshold of my house; if I had lived somewhere else, perhaps I would have been spared this encounter.
Saul was noticeably shaken. He refused any drink or food. Although he was blind, his distress seemed to be rooted in an immense sorrow of the heart.
Was Saul of Tarsus… remorseful?
He just prayed. Hour upon hour. He whispered only one thing in passing. Even then he did not meet eyes with me: “Judas, I’ve persecuted God himself.” Returning to the back room, he resumed praying on his knees.
I didn’t know what happened to him, but to say that this man was hard on himself is an understatement. Is it possible that Jesus had something to do with this? Did our Lord intercept this Pharisee of Pharisees along the way? Is that possible? Yes, I had to believe that it was.
So, I too prayed that Jesus would send a mighty wind and complete an even mightier work within him. I asked that this Saul of Tarsus would come to know that Jesus is the Anointed One as our psalmists and Prophets foretold, that he is the fulfillment of every promise and precept of our beloved Torah. May the scales drop from his eyes and from his spirit.
Immediately, I felt elated and troubled at the same time. I understood in my soul that he would suffer greatly along this new journey, if he were to embrace it.
As I wondered if I should offer Saul a drink, I heard another knock. I discovered Ananias on my doorstep, my brother in the Lord! “I’ve come to lay hands on Saul of Tarsus,” he disclosed. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. All I could do was welcome him and point to the desolate man praying in the back.
“He’s desperate for consolation,” I mentioned, surprised at my sudden compassion for him. Ananias nodded and headed his way.
The rest of what occurred that afternoon is still something I am trying to process. I can’t shake the feeling of the miraculous nearness of Jesus! He is risen and still active in our world. Thank you, God, that I live on this street called Straight!
—Rachael Griggs