I have been thinking a lot lately about Saul. Saul, the "before" picture of Paul.
He had his life purpose determined and he was moving steadfast to move towards completion. He had no idea what was coming as he was heading into Damascus. He probably thought he had his life help together and God would be pleased as he moved forth to preserve the law he was raised under.
Then, something happened. Rather, someone happened.
He had his life purpose determined and he was moving steadfast to move towards completion. He had no idea what was coming as he was heading into Damascus. He probably thought he had his life help together and God would be pleased as he moved forth to preserve the law he was raised under.
Then, something happened. Rather, someone happened.
After Jesus had interrupted what Saul knew to be his entire life, he was given the task to spend the next few days venturing through straight street to find the house of a man he had never met. And he was to do this blinded!
The last image Saul had seen was that of Jesus. I cannot image how that image must have been burnt into his memory. How that glorious light, the last thing Saul witnessed, would have pulled him through the next few days. I wonder if he, still blinded, could even try to think of anything else without that image coming back into his mind's eye.
I wonder what burned images of the Lord's presence we have in our lives that we go back to.
Paul shares his testimony at least three times in Acts, and I have to imagine that each time he can almost close his eyes and picture Jesus. Clinging to his renewed call as an ambassador of Christ.
Oh Lord, how I am thankful for the picture of your face in my life. How time and time again I come back to you. I see your evidences spanning the globe, and here you are again. Right where I remain. Right where I move. Right where I need you. Oh, how I need you. I want my vision to be consumed by your vision. Take my life and do what you will. Do what only you can, and will do. Selah.
“Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ -(Saul)
“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Acts 26:15-18
