Blinded by the Light (Acts 9: 1-19)
Today in the typical evangelical congregation we have fallen into the
same trap as did Jewry at the time of our Lord's incarnation. Although
there are attempts from time to time to break from dead tradition in the
Church, the trap remains and most seem to fall into it. It is much easier
(easy, our arch nemesis) to compromise with the majority on matters of
doctrine and practice rather than hold out for a literal view of Scripture,
requiring a break from traditions unsupported by the Bible. In the long
run this is the seed of the eventual demise of "Christian" culture in the
USA. In some cultures, the church seems to be alive and well. Even here
there are pockets of resistance to the path of least resistance, but many
still fall for the lie of Satan and refuse to consider the error of practice
and doctrine, although plainly demonstrated in both Old and New testa-
ments. As we look into the life of the Apostle Paul, we see the pattern
for breaking from the paths of death; finding the true pathway to life,
in Christ.
Prior to His Damascus Road experience, Saul of Tarsus had chosen
to go along with the traditions of Jewish authority. Though sincere, with
knowledge of the Law of God and enthusiasm for the task, he was in the
wrong. As did Eve in the Garden of Eden, he chose the way of death
rather than the way of life. He was blinded by darkness. In spite of this,
he was chosen of God to be a vessel to espouse, powerfully, the gospel
(Way) he had denounced and persecuted. (Acts 9: 21)
Just what was Saul of Tarsus doing prior to his conversion that
was so ungodly? First, he started from a wrong premise. The lord does
not advocate the use of force to make disciples. Even in Old Testament
times, when God used force, it was to rid the land of His enemies whom
he judged would pervert worship. The miscreants would be warned with
truth, then prosecution was forthcoming if they did not repent. Secondly,
Saul was accepting for truth the many traditions handed down by a self-
seeking hierarchy that flew in the face of God's Word. He consented
to the stoning death of the first "Christian" martyr, Stephen. and there
is evidence in the account of his martyrdom; some who stoned Stephen
were convicted and incensed at his preaching. (Acts 7: 54) This is not
the same as being angered by incorrect doctrine, but being angered at
hearing truth. Saul of Tarsus was one of these men.
The Lord had other plans for this sincere, but misguided religious
zealot. As he was on his way to the Syrian city of Damascus, Saul was
blinded by an intense light from heaven. At this point he was asked by
a voice from heaven, "Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting me?" His
response was, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply, "I am Jesus whom you
are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks." From the
time of conversion, Saul, changed to the Apostle Paul, was used mightily
of God as a missionary to the then known world. He was one of the two
most prolific writers of the New Testament and suffered greatly for his
newly found faith in Jesus Christ. He also became the most authorita-
tive of Apostles. Prior to conversion on his way to Damascus, Saul, was
blinded by darkness. Being blinded by the "Light" changed his name and
eternal destiny. He was blinded by a glimpse of Jesus Christ in his Glory.
If we, as the Church of Jesus Christ, could get away from being so con-
cerned by what our contemporaries think and say, we might catch a
glimpse of Jesus Christ in his glory. We could then, come to the place of
usefulness in his Kingdom.
donporter 1.08.13
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