The divine interaction between the Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul) and Jesus was an incredibly pivotal event in the growth of Christianity. The author Luke records it three separate times in his book of Acts. (Acts 9, 22,26)
Luke first introduces us to Saul at the unjust trial and murder of Stephen, a Christian spokesperson and martyr. Luke gives insight into Saul’s character as he informs us that Saul not only witnessed the stoning of Stephen but is in complete agreement with the murder. (Acts 8:1). Saul quickly moves from being a “witness” to being the “prosecution” by actively persecuting Christians. Saul gains official permission to hunt, harass, harm, and imprison Christians. Here is how Paul describes this gruesome period in his life:
“…I persecuted the followers of the Way, hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison.” Acts 22:4
Saul becomes obsessed with persecution. Not content to merely oppress Christians in his hometown of Jerusalem, Saul travels to the urban center of Damascus. He hunts and enchains Christians, and then takes them to Jerusalem to be imprisoned.
While making one of his trips to Damascus, everything changed. Saul encountered the Risen Jesus. The Lord's appearance is so profound that Saul falls to his knees and is blinded by the light of His presence. Jesus confronts Saul and calls him to a new life and a new purpose.
As Jesus leaves, Saul remains blind and must be led by his companions into the city of Damascus. There Saul finds shelter and remains blind and alone. As Saul contemplates his life, a Christian named Ananias also has an encounter with Jesus. Jesus commissions a fearful Ananias to find Saul. Once he finds him, Ananias is tasked with telling Saul what Jesus has planned for him. At the end of their conversation, Ananias reaches out and touches Saul and his blindness vanishes. At that moment Paul sees his life and the lives of others more clearly than he ever had.
Saul sees himself differently…he comes face to face with the reality of his own sin and moral failure. He sees that his external actions and religious\social pedigree could never hide the sin and guilt of his life. Facing Jesus on his own, Saul could offer nothing in his own defense. Seeing himself so clearly would cause Saul to describe himself as “the worst of sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15) Instead, of imprisoning others, Saul discovered his desperate need to be freed by the mercy and grace that Jesus offers. After seeing himself and Jesus differently Saul humbly puts his faith, trust, and future in Jesus.
As Saul’s eyes opened, he also saw the world differently. If Jesus could show mercy and grace to a terrorist like himself, he realized that God’s mercy and grace extends to all people. In fact, he knew he was now called to help others experience Jesus and the love and acceptance as He offers. Listen as Saul retells his commission from Jesus. Jesus says:
For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me and tell them what I will show you in the future. And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ Acts 22:16-18
Jesus calls the once physically blind Saul to end the blindness of others so they can see the forgiveness and eternal acceptance of our loving Lord. He calls them to place their faith and trust in Him.
Saul’s sight was forever changed. He saw Jesus like he never had, which in turn changed the way he saw himself and the people around him. On that road to Damascus a missionary was both prepared and commissioned.
Like the Apostle Paul, all Christian missionaries have met Jesus. They have experienced His love, mercy, and grace. Their encounters with Him have humbled them and have changed the way they see themselves. They clearly see their need for his divine forgiveness and acceptance. They also know that there is a world of people who need to have their eyes opened to the light and life that Jesus offers them.
Not many of us will have an encounter with Jesus like Saul did. Chances are you may never be a missionary like the Apostle Paul. But each of us experiences what it is to be blind to the reality of who we really are, and that we have no answer nor solution for our sin and guilt. Each of us desperately needs His mercy, forgiveness, and grace. And seeing Jesus clearly causes us to realize how easily we are blinded to how ALL people need the life and love that only Jesus offers. We must now see people not as enemies or problems to be avoided, rather as people who need to encounter Jesus as we have. And Jesus wants us, like Saul\Paul, to commit to doing all to help open their eyes to the life Jesus offers.
We have all of these blessings from God, and we have a great commission from Jesus. It is our responsibility to share Jesus with our friends and neighbors, and to support those who have heard God’s call to the mission field. Decide now to support mission works through the FLOW!
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