From Blindness to Sight: Bartimaeus & Saul’s Story Part 2: Saul (Daily Devotional)

Scripture:  Acts 9:1- 19

Thought: Desperate faith sees what pride cannot… So reach out to the One who opens eyes and transforms hearts.

Devotional:

Two men, both blind. One sat by the roadside in Jericho, cloaked in poverty and despondency, begging for mercy.

The other strode down the Damascus Road in power, pride, clothed in education, status, and self-assurance—yet spiritually bankrupt.

The first was Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), a man whose blindness was visible to all. The second was Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1–30), a brilliant Pharisee whose blindness was hidden beneath layers of religious zeal.

One could not see with his eyes.

The other could not see with his soul.

Both met Jesus. Both were given sight. And both were transformed forever.

The Contrast:

Bartimaeus had nothing to offer except desperation.

Saul had everything the world could give—credentials, influence, respect—yet lacked the one thing that mattered: the knowledge of Jesus.

While Bartimaeus cried out for healing, Saul was on a mission to destroy the followers of the very Messiah he awaited. But God’s plan for Saul would hinge on the obedience of a reluctant disciple—Ananias.

What if Ananias had let fear silence his faith? Would the church have lost its greatest missionary voice? Would the letters that anchor our understanding of grace and faith have ever been written?

“When God is the architect, men are the bricklayers and laborers. Faith assists God… Faith still honors God, and God honors faith.”[1] 

The Role of Faith:

Hebrews 11:1 (HCSB) tells us:

“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”

• Faith assures us that our hope in Christ is real.

• Faith is the anchor that holds when circumstances scream otherwise.

• Faith sustains us through desperate days because without it, desperation dissolves into despair.

“The only alternative to desperate faith is despair. Faith holds on and prevails.”[2]

Two Roads to Sight:

Bartimaeus sought Jesus, convinced He could heal. Paul sought to destroy Jesus’ followers, convinced he was serving God.

Bartimaeus:

• Physically blind

• Humble and hopeless without Christ

• Called out to Jesus and received his sight

Paul:

• Spiritually blind

• Self-assured and convinced of his own righteousness

• ·Struck blind on the Damascus Road to open his spiritual eyes

Both men’s blindness was removed. Both encountered grace. Both walked away with a new vision and a new mission.

Where Do We Stand?

We are not so different from Bartimaeus and Paul. Some of us sit in our brokenness, aware of our need but unsure where to turn. Others stride forward in self-confidence, not realizing our most profound need remains unmet.

The truth is stark:

• Physical death is inevitable.

• Spiritual death is a choice.

We can remain blind—trusting in ourselves yet empty of truth. Or we can cry out in humility to the One who opens blind eyes and transforms hearts.

Reflection Thoughts:

• In what ways have I been like Bartimaeus—fully aware of my need for Jesus?

• In what ways have I been like Paul—confident in myself but blind to my spiritual condition?

• Am I willing to let faith lead me beyond my fears, as Ananias did?

Journaling Prompts:

1.    Write about a time when God opened your eyes to something you had been blind to.

2.    How does Hebrews 11:1 challenge your current definition of faith?

3.    What is one area in your life where you need “desperate faith” instead of despair?

4.    What fears might be keeping you from stepping forward in obedience?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see You clearly—whether I am blinded by my pain or by my pride. Remove every barrier that keeps me from walking in Your truth. Give me the faith of Bartimaeus to cry out for mercy and the humility of Paul to be transformed completely. And when You call me to act, give me the courage of Ananias to obey without fear. In Your name, Amen.

[1] Mrs. Charles S. Chadwick, Streams in the Desert, Kindle Edition.

[2] Ibid.