Convinced?
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 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. (Acts 9:1-2)
How do we convince someone of the truth of the Risen Jesus?
Easy answer: we don’t; that is in the realm of God the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Let’s observe how Saul went from a villain to a Christ follower. He was a very strong believer in the Old Testament text while at the same time persecuting and trying to kill off New Testament Jesus followers. What changed Saul?
The followers of Jesus were convinced of the resurrection of Jesus; they had seen the risen Christ. They were “convinced” of the core of Christianity. Remember, this is the message on which we elaborated last Sunday: Jesus lived for us, Jesus died for us, Jesus rose from the grave for us and Jesus reigns in heaven for us. How do these convinced believers pass on their convictions and their faith? Is it a logical argument that will convince Saul? That might be a good start but it won’t convince Saul to become a true follower in the Christian faith.
What will take Saul or anyone from a staunch opposition of Christianity to a fully assenting agreement? What is it that brings any person over the line of skepticism to faith. Saul needs to meet Jesus.
Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 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. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:3-9)
What would change Saul? Saul was on a mission to extinguish the believers. He believed this was the right thing to do. If Saul was going to be changed, God would have to do it. Many of us find ourselves wrestling in a world that is like Saul. Our culture is not finding safety in the arms of Jesus. The love of the Savior and His sacrifice has not surfaced in our neighborhoods. What will change their minds and hearts?
Saul was met by God - God’s approach is to speak directly with Saul. Heaven made an appearance because Saul had a paradigm of how life should be and God needed to [severely] adjust Saul’s understanding. Heaven shows up. Saul thought he was in the right until heaven’s light shown on him.
Several other points come out of the text: “Saul, Saul” (Acts 9:4). Jesus calls on Saul with a phrase that describes personal knowledge and interest in Saul. God loves Saul! That’s what the repetition of his name means. But the question, “why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4), is meant to open up Saul’s worldview. He is confronted with a truly blinding light and now, in his darkness, must examine his own motives and intent. Saul comes face to face with the reality that he was fighting in the wrong direction. Saul has to examine the sad truth that he has been fighting against God.
God would have us each grasp these two truths about ourselves: We are loved by God and yet have offended God - we fight against God. Paul needed to see where he was fighting against God and so do we. It can’t be overlooked; this light shining from heaven and speaking to Saul would have shaken him to the very core. But he listened and he cried out, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:5).
And now Saul begins a journey of transformation. He will continue to be blind for three more days. Three days of darkness where his last vision was of this bright light. “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. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:8-9). For three days Saul would reflect on the reason heaven confronted him.
Saul eventually becomes one of the greatest evangelists the world has ever known. In order to step into that role, he needed to see what was wrong and broken in him. Those three days and the bright light from heaven got this whole process started.
God has done the same thing for us. The Bright light of His Word has pierced through our dark hearts and has illuminated us with the light of Christ, our Lord. Let us take some time right now to thank our God for shining his truth into our lives so that we could be Jesus’ witnesses.
Blessings to you in the name of the risen Christ!
