Today’s message, as you are probably aware, includes an Easter play. However, we have also heard today one of the most important stories in the entire book of Acts.  This takes place after Jesus had been raised from the dead and had ascended into heaven.  Thus, when Saul has a conversation with Jesus on the road to Damascus, it is the risen Jesus that he is talking to and the risen Jesus whom he has been persecuting by arresting his followers.

         One of the most important details for us to be aware of is that Saul and Paul are the same person. Saul is the Hebrew version of his name, and Paul is the Roman or Latin version.  And so when we hear about Paul next week, it is the same guy who is called Saul this week.

         Saul, as we have heard today, has a dramatic conversion experience as he is blinded by the light on the road to Damascus.  It is a 180 degree turn for him as he goes from breathing threats and murder against those who follow Jesus to one of the strongest witnesses for Jesus in the early church.  Saul has a “big” conversion experience because God is calling him to do great things.

         For us, while we might have had some intense experiences of God’s presence and power, many of us have probably nothad such a dramatic turnaround.  Either way, though, God calls us into service according to the faith and abilities that God has given us.  Some of us might be asked, like Ananias, to pray for somebody who is sitting in darkness, or to give somebody the benefit of the doubt or a second chance. God’s call to us can be as unique as we are, and is heard and understood through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

         Keep this in mind today, as we follow Shrillock and Mumson on their search for Easter joy.  Saul, as it turns out, willsuffer for the sake of Jesus, but later writes about the joy of the Lord, even in the midst of trials.  For now, we join Shrillock and Mumson at the playground.

Play: Shrillock Homes & The Meaning of Easter: http://church-skits.com/zShrillockHomesMeaningOfEaster.html

Easter 3 (NL 4)                                                         Acts 9:1-19a

April 15, 2018

St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church

Pastor Lynne Hutchison