I answered, “Who are you, Lord?” He said to me, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you are persecuting.” Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I said, “What should I do, Lord?” The Lord told me, “Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything that you have been assigned to do.” (Acts 22:8-10)
If you’ve done even some Bible study, when a story is told twice, we are told to take extra notice for its importance. To name a few: Jesus’ baptism, feeding of the five thousand, and his suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. But what is fascinating about this chapter is that it includes Paul’s retelling of his experience twice and in the same book. I think there are two questions we ought to reflect on that ultimately guide our entire walks with the Lord. “Who are you, Lord?” and “What should I do, Lord?”
The first question, “Who are you, Lord?” frames our entire existence and purpose, and it is something we should keep in mind in everything that we do. Jesus keeps it simple, saying to Paul, “I am Jesus of Nazareth.” At this point in history, depending on who you ask, Jesus had been crucified between six to eight years prior; “Jesus of Nazareth” as an answer should be crystal clear. This was the man who claimed to be God and proved it by defeating death through his life, death, and resurrection. His Name has power in itself.
So we take the question and twist it just a bit. In everything, and especially when we are uncertain, we can ask ourselves, “Who is my Lord?” When Jesus is your answer, a lot is cleared up. Regardless of circumstances you are in His hands and you can rely wholly on Him.
The second question, “What should I do, Lord?” flows from the first. Acknowledging his lordship means you must give up your desires and seek the will of His. This certainly can be a tough pill to swallow, especially in times when it doesn’t quite make sense. How Jesus replies is incredible, “…you will be told everything that you have been assigned to do.” Isn’t it incredible? The Greek is translated to what has been appointed for us to do. God has appointed us to do his will!
Reflect on these questions, “Who is my Lord?” and “What should I do, Lord?” Take some time to praise God about who He is and continually ask him what he has appointed for you to do.