Hearing the Voice but Seeing No One

Acts 9:1-7 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
No one standing before the men to be seen speaking, this is the power of God. His voice came from the heavens. Saul was to be used by God, even though he was an enemy of the cross. He had been previously persecuting the believers, even sending some to the executioner.
Acts 26:14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'
Notice Saul says, I heard a voice, apparently the men with him only heard noises, something like thunder.
Acts 9:8-9 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Saul is dumbfounded at what has happened to him, he has been struck blind! The Lord is about to reveal His plans for Saul! In a dream, the Lord spoke to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, where Saul was headed. He told him that Saul was coming and that he would lay hands on him and he would regain his sight. Ananias told the Lord he had heard of this Saul, how he had persecuted many of the faith.
Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went to Saul and at his touch, the scales fell from his eyes. He regained his sight and was immediately baptized. He went to the synagogues and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God. And all who heard knew he had been the persecutor of the faithful were amazed by the power of God. God can take the vilest offender and change his heart.
Precious Lord, change hearts today with the truth of Your Word. All have hope in You. Amen