I have previously mentioned the concept of the “millennial day.” The idea that with the Lord a thousand years are but a day is found in both the Old Testament (Psalm 90:4) and the New Testament (Second Peter 3:8). In fact, Peter reinforces the idea of the Day of the Lord as a millennial day in verses 7-10 of the same chapter.

The story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-19) is familiar to most. Saul heard the Lord Jesus and saw the light of Heaven as it flashed around him. That would get anyone’s attention! The men with Saul heard the sound, but saw nothing. The result of this encounter was that Saul was blind. He was led to Damascus and for three days he took no food nor water.

Ananias was a believer who lived in Damascus. I am sure there is a place of honor for Ananias in the Lord’s Kingdom, because when the Lord told him to go to Saul, he did so. Ananias was both brave and a man of faith. The Lord explained that Saul was His chosen instrument for we Gentiles, and Ananias went to the house where Saul, the killer of Christians, was staying.

When he arrived where Saul was dwelling, he addressed him as Brother Saul and laid hands on him. Saul received his sight, was baptized and then received food and drink. What a picture this is!

Saul was a Jew’s Jew, a Hebrew of Hebrews (Philippians 3:5), and the perfect person to represent the Jewish people. Saul heard the Lord and was blinded, and did not understand. He took no food or water for three days, then he saw and understood. He was baptized and ate.

Here is the picture. At the time of Jesus, the Jews heard the Lord, but were blinded and did not understand. Paul explains this blindness in Romans 11:8 and 25. This was also prophesied in Isaiah 6:9. The Jews have been spiritually blinded and have not understood for three millennial days. They have received no spiritual food or drink for these three millennial days. After this period of time they will receive their spiritual sight and receive spiritual food. This also agrees with the prophet Hosea, who said, “After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence.” (Hosea 6:2)

The prophet Zechariah says that at some future date the Lord will bless the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and “they will look on me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child . . .” (Zechariah 12:10) Then their spiritual eyes will be opened and they will see what they missed 2000 years ago, and will grieve for their actions at that time. And the conversion of Saul is a picture of this future conversion of the Jews. I am so thankful for the patience and grace and faithfulness of the Lord. May His name be praised always.