Scripture: Acts 9:1-20
Title: Archenemy to Ambassador
(Murderer turned Missionary)
Proposition: Luke shares with us the story of Saul's call/conversion story. That story shares with us 1. We need to be open for the Lord's realignments 2. We must be open for New Spiritual Revelations 3. We need to be ready to accept New Spiritual Assignments
INTRO:
Grace and peace from God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ who has come to take away the sin of the world.
Have you ever thought you were so right about something that you would stake your life on it? You were so sure that your position was the right one that you were willing to risk your reputation, your money and perhaps even your future on it?
If you have, then you share a kindred spirit with Saul of Tarsus. As we open up Acts chapter nine, Saul is convinced that the early followers of the Way (Christians) are so dangerous to the faith of Judaism that he is willing to put those people in prison and even to death. Those followers included thousands of men, women, boys and girls.
In the three year period of time from Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection the Early Church had exploded in numbers. The initial group of 120 people that had gathered on Pentecost and had received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was now numbering well into the thousands and more were being added to their numbers every day. More and more people were believing that Jesus was the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Astonishing miracles of spiritual and physical healing were being attributed to these early Christians. Although the religious establishment (Sanhedrin Council) had strictly forbidden the apostles and others to speak about Jesus, they refused to keep silent. Everywhere they went, these first century Christians shared the message about Jesus, His Death and Resurrection. They shared the Good News that all men could receive forgiveness, mercy and grace in the name of Jesus and be filled with His Holy Spirit.
All of this was having an adverse effect on Temple worship and on Jewish orthodox faith around Palestine. People were choosing Jesus over the teachings of the scribes, the Pharisees and Sadducees. Saul was determined to stop this Jesus movement and lead the people back to the Temple and to the teachings of the religious establishment. He himself had studied at the feet of the honored Rabbi Gamaliel.
You may remember that it was Rabbi Gamaliel back in Acts chapter five that spoke up for sparing the lives of the apostles. Rabbi Gamaliel believed that time would prove whether or not the way of Jesus was in line with the will of God Almighty. Rabbi Gamaliel did not want the Sanhedrin council to do anything that would be in opposition to God's will. If this New Way, this way surrounding the teachings of Jesus was not of Jehovah, then his following would come to nothing, (Acts 5:33-40). If, however, it was of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, then the Council would be opposing God Himself.
Saul didn't agree with his former teacher because we find him going to Damascus armed with papers permitting him to arrest Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem to stand trial. To get the flavor of Saul's dedication we have to remember that Damascus was approx. 135 miles away from Jerusalem. This was no one night adventure. Saul was willing to take weeks out of his life to hunt down and capture Jesus' followers to bring them to justice. He was that dedicated and that determined to stop the Early Church.
Verse one tells us that it was Saul's intention to do more than just imprison them. The word Luke uses here (phonos) refers to acts of murder and or slaughter. Saul firmly believed that the only way to stop the Jesus movement was to round up all Jesus' followers and condemn them to death. Charles Swindoll tells us at that time, Saul looked more "like a terrorist than a devout follower of Judaism." Luke's first portrait of Saul was "brutal and bloody."
When a person's cause is just and on target, it can be extremely effective for the Kingdom of God. Luke shares with us stories about the early Christian's commitment and dedication in the book of Acts. These disciples gave their time, their resources and if necessary their very own lives. Nothing or no one could stop or deter them. Is there any wonder why there was such phenomenal growth of Christianity in the first few centuries after Christ? These people were filled with Holy Spirit passion and courage.
However, when a person's or a group's religious zeal is off target, it can be extremely destructive in its effects on the kingdom of God. Good people with good intentions can wreck havoc when they mistakenly go against God's will. They can destroy the very thing that they want to protect. They can believe that they are standing up for what is right but still be on the wrong side of God's favor and will.
This morning, I would like for us to see what our LORD did for this man named Saul. We will see how the LORD stepped in and put a stop to Saul's Holy War against His Church. We will see how the LORD realigned Saul's heart, mind and soul. We will see how the LORD opened up new spiritual revelations in his life and finally how the LORD gave Saul new Holy Orders. By looking at Saul's story this morning we can see first of all:
I. We must be open for the LORD to Spiritually Realign our lives
Luke reveals to us in verse five that Jesus appeared to Saul. Saul dramatically sees Jesus in all His Heavenly Glory. At first, Saul does not know what is going on or who is talking to him. While we see Saul using the word "Kyrios" here we should not read into it that he suddenly knew Jesus as Savior and LORD. The word "kyrios" was also used when someone knew that were in the presence of a person greater than themselves. Looking up from the ground Saul knew that this person standing before him was greater and therefore calls him "kyrios." (lord)
Saul had no thought whatsoever that the person talking to him would be Jesus, the Risen Lord. As far as Saul was concerned all the news about Jesus and the resurrection was a blasphemous lie. He had believed what the High Priest had told everyone; that the dead body of Jesus had been stolen and that the disciples were spreading lies about the resurrection. There was no resurrection and Jesus was not the Messiah.
But right here in front of him was the Risen Christ in all of His Heavenly Glory. The man Saul had cursed and declared to be a liar was speaking to him in a heavenly vision. Jesus had come down from Heaven to speak one on one with him. Not only was the light blinding but the truth revealing Jesus and His Resurrection was blinding as well.
Saul was faced with a dilemma. Immediately, he knew that what he had been doing was wrong. No matter how earnest he had been, no matter how much he thought he was doing the right thing, Saul knew in his heart that everything he had been thinking had been wrong. He knew everything he had been doing was wrong as well.
The question was now what was he going to do? Now, that he was faced with the truth about Jesus what would he do?
Verse nine provides for some key information. When Saul did not know what to do, he immediately turned to prayer and fasting. For three days, Saul shut himself away to talk to God. His whole world had been turned upside down and he needed some time to process everything. For three days he spent every waking minute trying to make sense of it all. How could he have been so wrong about Jesus? How could he have been so foolish? Now what would he do? Where would he go?
+This morning, what do we do when we suddenly realize that we are wrong?
+What do we do when the search light of the Holy Spirit shines on an area in our lives and we realize that what we have been thinking, doing and feeling has been wrong? +Do we embrace it or do we dismiss it?
+Do we try to rationalize it all away?
+Do we decide that we will work on it at a more convenient time?
+Or do we go to the LORD in prayer and fasting and wait for further instructions?
Saul shows us that if we allow God, He will realign our thinking and our directions when they are out of His will. Saul shows us that when we are confronted by the truth that we are to embrace it no matter what that means. Saul shows us that at times even the most dedicated and committed person needs to be realigned by the LORD Jesus.
Saul shows us that we also must be open for new spiritual revelations:
II. We must be open for New Spiritual Revelations
Jesus leaves Saul in quite a predicament. After showing Saul the truth, Jesus returns to heaven but leaves Saul literally in the dark. Verse eight tells us that after Saul's epiphany he is left blind but not totally clueless. Back in verse seven Jesus tells him to go on into the city and wait for further instructions.
Let's pause here and rewind.
+We see that Saul has declared Holy War on the Early Church
+He and some Temple soldiers have traveled approx. 135 miles to arrest Jesus' followers in the region of Damascus
+Right before he get to Damascus, Heaven opens up and Saul is knocked off his horse
+Jesus appears to Saul in all His Heavenly Glory and rebukes him
+Jesus then gives him implicit instructions to go on into the city and wait for further orders.
+Jesus blinds Saul and then goes back into Heaven
No wonder the man went into an intense time of prayer and fasting. I mean after all here he was thinking he was doing the right thing and suddenly the man he thought was his archenemy appears. And not only does Jesus appear in all His Heavenly Glory, He openly refutes Saul and then leaves him blind.
I am sure that Saul thought his days were numbered. I am sure Saul thought he had been judged by the LORD and was found wanting. I am also sure that he was totally confused. Why would Jesus blind him and yet tell him to go on to Damascus? Perhaps Jesus wanted to publicly humiliate him or turn him over to the wrath of the people he was going to arrest and murder. Perhaps Jesus was going to allow them to do to him what he had planned to do to them.
It is here in our story that Luke introduces to us the disciple named Ananias. And it with this man that we see that we all need to be ready to receive new spiritual revelations from our LORD. For as shocked as Saul was to see Jesus, so too was Ananias.
Verse 10 tells us that Ananias also had an epiphany of Jesus. Jesus tells Ananias that he is to go and meet Saul, heal him and anoint him with the Holy Spirit. At first, we read how Ananias was full of trepidation and anxiety. In fact, his whole conversation with the LORD is rather humorous . In verses 13-14 Ananias tries his best to give the LORD a newsflash concerning Saul. He reminds Jesus of all the evil things that Saul has been doing like Jesus wasn't already aware of it in the first place.
Have you ever done the same thing? Jesus has told you to do something and you remind him of all the road blocks and obstacles. Jesus shares with you how He wants you to be a part of helping someone out and you remind Him how inadequate you are and how it would be impossible for you to do what He asks?
It seems that all of us humans have this problem. In obedience we hear what the LORD is telling us and we are grateful for the spiritual revelations, but we are not always sure we want to do what He tells us to do. At times we don't want to follow Jesus' leadings especially if we think it is going to cause us some pain or persecution. Especially, if it is going to cost us some time, resources and commitment.
In the end, however, if we are going to live a surrendered life, it means following Jesus no matter what. It means taking up our cross and following Jesus. In his heart, Ananias knew he had to go to Saul's lodging place even though it looked like a trap. I am sure the Devil whispered to Ananias that once he was there, Saul would arrest him and take him back to be murdered in Jerusalem. I am sure that the Devil was trying his best to get Ananias to disregard Jesus' commands.
Ananias was both smart and surrendered. He knew that in any great spiritual endeavor always involved risk but it also produced great rewards. He knew that this same Jesus that sent him would be the same Jesus that would go with him and bring the victory. Ananias knew that he would not be going alone, he would be going in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
It's almost always that way with the LORD. He asks us to do something that we think we cannot do, only to show us that if we obey Him we can experience miracles beyond our understanding. The LORD reveals to us new paths and when we take those new paths we will receive even more spiritual revelations and miracles in our lives.
How many people have been asked by the LORD to go and heal and anoint one of the greatest missionaries of all times? Of course, Ananias did not know at the time that Saul would end up being one of the greatest missionaries of all time. And of course, Ananias did not know that how much positive impact Saul would have on the Early Church. But what Ananias did understand was that one spiritual revelation would lead to another and still to another. Ananias did know that whatever God said to do it should be done.
Let me share with you a wonderful story of how years ago, the Lord worked through a young minister and his wife to change the course of history of the Church of the Nazarene. It all came about through their obedience to some spiritual revelations from the LORD.
It was back in 1899. A young Methodist pastor, by the name of Sam Holiday was sitting in his barn, pouring out his heart to God. For quite some time Pastor Holiday had asking the LORD for a revival at his church. But there was no money to pay an evangelist. Again and again, Sam went to the solitude of his barn and pleaded with His Heavenly Father: "Father, you know I want to have revival at any cost!" he breathed into the silence. He was quite unprepared when he heard an answer loud and clear: "Well, what about selling your cow to pay the evangelist?"
"But, God, " Sam hesitated. "That cow feeds my family with her milk and butter! How can I possibly get along without her?"
"Didn't you say revival at any cost?" the Lord gently chided.
Sam struggled. He knew the value of the cow but he also had heard the LORD speak to him. He agreed to sell the cow and the LORD provided $25.00. It was almost enough to pay an evangelist.
At the same time, his wife was praying a similar prayer, a prayer for revival at any cost. She, too, heard the Lord's voice.
"What about selling your sewing machine to pay the evangelist?"
"But, God, you can't really... With that sewing machine I make clothing for the whole family! What would we do without it?"
"Didn't you ask for revival at any cost?"
Her sewing machine sold for an additional 8 dollars, and with the 33 dollars the church was able to pay for an evangelist. The LORD sent a neighboring pastor to hold that first meeting. After a powerful message he gave the call to come forward. Only one person came to the altar. It was a 16-year old boy by the name of Roy Williams. Roy had only come to the revival to be near a girl he thought was pretty and he enjoyed hearing the Methodist shout during their services. He had no idea that it would be that day he gave his life to Jesus.
That 16 year old farm boy grew up and become one of the greatest General Supt. in the Church of the Nazarene. From 1916 to 1946 as General Supt. he was instrumental in helping the denomination grow past its second generation of disciples.1 He helped the church become organized and build a platform for growth and globalization.
This morning, we will never know what will happen in the lives of those around us when we obey the leadings of the LORD.
+ Like Ananias we need to be open for a new revelation by the LORD.
+ Like Saul we need to be ready for a new healing, a new anointing of the Holy Spirit and new Holy Orders.
III. We need to be open to receive New Spiritual Assignments
Finally, Luke shares with us that Saul received much than his physical sight. Saul was filled with God's Holy Spirit and received new Holy Orders from the LORD. Saul received a call to be an apostle of Jesus.
No longer would Saul be the arch enemy of the Church. Instead, he would become the Greatest Ambassador for Jesus in the 1st Century. Bible scholars tell us that Saul (Paul) along with St. Luke are responsible for writing more than half of the New Testament. Think about that for a moment this morning. Half of all that we have in the New Testament comes from the heart, mind and soul of these two great disciples of Jesus.
Jesus stopped Saul on the road to Damascus that day. Jesus stopped him, confronted him, called him and then blinded him. Through Ananias, the LORD then healed Saul and filled him with His Holy Spirit. Saul, then becomes Paul and teams up with Dr. Luke ( and others ) in sharing the Gospel of Jesus. Without Paul, we may have never heard of Luke and we may have never had the Gospel of Luke or the Acts of the Apostles. Without Ananias, we may never have heard of Saul now turned Paul. And without Jesus our Rise Savior and LORD none of this would have happened. It all starts and ends with Jesus.
Luke tells us that Jesus gives Saul new Holy Orders. Saul came armed with papers from the High Priest that gave him permission to arrest people and imprison them. Possible even be able to condemn those same people to death.
However, that day with Ananias, the LORD gave Saul a new name, a new identity and a new mission. From that day forward, Paul would travel and teach in the name of Jesus. Paul would heal people, plant new churches and show them how they could grow in Jesus. That day Saul received a whole new assignment.
None of this proved easy for Paul. It was not easy for the people who had traveled with Paul. All of them had come to do one thing - arrest Christians and take them back to Jerusalem. But they were changed; they were all transformed. The rest of chapter ten shares with us how Paul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus was the Messiah, that Jesus was the Son of God.
The Lord appeared to Saul to give Saul a mission. The Lord did that in a rather radical fashion.
And while it may not have happened to us quite that way, the Lord wants to do the same in our lives this morning.
+He wants to radically transform our lives, our minds and our hearts.
+He wants us realign us spiritually.
+He wants to reveal to us new revelations.
+He wants to give us new Holy Orders.
We have not be redeemed solely for the fact that one day when our time here on earth is over we can all go to heaven. We have been redeemed by the LORD for a mission. As born again, Spirit filled people we have been given a plan and a purpose. All of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ have been a commission by the LORD to be involved in the ongoing mission of His Church. We have been commissioned by Jesus to invite, share the message of Jesus, baptize people, teach people and help them become mature disciples of Jesus. This is the call of Jesus' people and the Church of Jesus Christ.
Saul's story shows us:
+That we must be ready and willing for our spiritual lives to be realigned
+We must be open to receive new spiritual revelations
+We must be ready to accept and fulfill God's new assignment
This morning as we sing our song of invitation - Spirit of the Living God
1 http://snu.edu/rt-williams
