“OPEN THEIR EYES!”

Acts 26:12-18                     (ESV)

Paul Tells King Agrippa of His Conversion

“[12] “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. [13] At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. [14] And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ [15] And I said, ‘Who are YOU, LORD?’ And the LORD said, ‘I AM JESUS whom you are persecuting. [16] But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen ME and to those in which I will appear to you, [17] delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you [18] TO “OPEN THEIR EYES”, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in ME.’”

Saul was headed to “Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests” to persecute Believers of THE WAY!  He had “authority” from earthly leaders, but DIVINE intervention caused Saul and his entourage to ALL fall to the ground in FEAR!  Saul was blinded by the event and he proceeded to Damascus blinded by a LIGHT!  Ultimately Saul yielded to following JESUS and leading others to do the same.  

Although Saul (later known as Paul) was used to convince more than a few people that JESUS was the SON OF GOD and SAVIOR OF THE WORLD, he was unsuccessful more often than is known for most were simply not CHOSEN by GOD.  Unless the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD is led to “OPEN THEIR EYES” and change their hearts, a TRANSFORMATION is not going to take place!  Even JESUS HIMSELF didn’t have a tremendous following. Ultimately HE was crucified by HIS OWN creation.  

But JESUS told Saul in Acts 26:16 “…But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, TO APPOINT YOU AS A SERVANT…”!  Paul wasn’t CHOSEN to sleep in five star hotels and eat at the best restaurants.  As a matter of fact, JESUS told Ananias in Acts 9:16 “For I will show him how much he must “suffer” for the sake of MY NAME.”  Never was the Promise that Paul would live a life of ease with a tremendous retirement!  Paul was martyred in Rome sometime around 65 AD, reportedly via beheading!  His journey would not be one most would desire to mimic!

JESUS instructed Paul to “OPEN THEIR EYES”, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to GOD”.  Paul didn’t have the capability to “OPEN THEIR EYES” on his own.  DIVINE INTERVENTION was used to identify the CHOSEN.  Nowadays we have the same calling and limitations.  Just as Saul and his entourage was caused to the ground AND LISTEN, we need to have GOD intervene to be able to “OPEN THEIR EYES” where they can SEE!!!