Chosen Instrument”
Saul still breathing threats and rage,
Sought the Way from age to age.
Letters in his hand to bind
Men and women he would find.
Near Damascus, midday bright,
Suddenly flashed heaven’s light.
Falling down, he heard a voice,
“Saul, Saul, why make this choice?
Why do you persecute Me?”
“Who are You, Lord?” came reply.
“I am Jesus — risen, alive.
Rise and enter into town,
You will learn what I lay down.”
Blinded, led by trembling hand,
Three days fasting in that land.
In Damascus, Ananias prayed,
Till the Lord to him displayed:
“Go to Saul on Straight Street now.”
“Lord, I’ve heard of his harsh vow.”
“He is chosen to proclaim
My salvation and My Name
Before Gentiles, kings, and sons —
He will suffer for this cause.”
Ananias laid his hands,
“Brother Saul, by God’s command,
Jesus sent me so you’ll see,
Filled with Spirit, walk in Me.”
Scales fell from his opened eyes,
He arose and was baptized.
Strength returned with bread and rest —
Soon in synagogues confessed:
“Jesus is the Son of God!”
All were stunned at what they saw.
Those who knew his former zeal
Questioned how this could be real.
Saul grew strong and proved it plain —
Christ alive, Messiah’s Name.
But the Jews conspired to kill,
Watching gates with deadly will.
By night through a basket low,
Down the wall he slipped to go.
In Jerusalem he tried to stand,
But fear still filled the band.
Barnabas took him by the side,
Told the story of the light.
Boldly then he preached again,
Till threats returned from angry men.
The brothers sent him far away,
To Tarsus for a safer stay.
So the Church in peace was grown,
Built up, strengthened, Spirit-known.
Walking in the fear of God,
Comforted by grace abroad.
Peter traveled through the land,
Found Aeneas at his stand —
Bedridden eight years long.
“Jesus heals you — rise up strong.”
He arose and all believed.
In Joppa, Tabitha had died,
Full of mercy, widely prized.
Peter prayed and spoke her name —
“Tabitha, arise again.”
She sat up, restored to breath,
Many turned from life to death.
Refrain
From persecutor to proclaim,
The risen Christ transforms by Name.
No threat, no past, no blinded sight
Can stop the Lord of Light.
