“The Conversion of Paul (Part 2) – Divine Orchestration for Complete Transformation”
Sermon Title: The Conversion of Paul (Part 2) – Divine Orchestration for Complete Transformation
Scripture: Acts 9:10-19 ESV
Introduction
Paul's journey on the road to Damascus took a dramatic turn when he encountered the light and voice of Jesus. According to verse 9, Paul was blinded for three days and refrained from eating or drinking during this period. The significance of these three days of darkness echoes a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing a time of deep introspection, repentance, and preparation for profound transformation.
1) in the Exodus account, darkness lasted for three days before the final plague, which marked God's judgment on disobedience but also the redemption of those who obeyed, leading to their liberation from Egyptian slavery; 2) Jonah spent three days in the belly of the fish as a period of repentance and readiness to fulfill God's command; 3) Jesus was in the tomb for three days before His resurrection, symbolizing the ultimate triumph over death and the promise of new life. During Saul's three days of blindness, recounted in Acts 26, he underwent a transformative experience.
1. Identity as God’s servant and witness (verse 16).
2. Task to proclaim what he has witnessed about Jesus (verse 16).
3. Audience: both Jews and Gentiles (verse 17).
4. Purpose: to turn people from darkness to light through faith in Jesus (verse 18).
Paul’s blindness may have enhanced his concentration, akin to closing one's eyes during prayer to focus solely on God. This period was a rigorous deconstruction of Paul's former identity and understanding, followed by a reconstruction of his new identity and purpose in Christ.
Divine Orchestration in the Calling of Ananias
Ananias' Call Saul, having encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, spends three days in a stranger's house in prayerful anticipation (Acts 9:9-11). During this time, God calls upon Ananias, a disciple residing in Damascus.
Acts 9:10: "Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.'"
Character of Ananias Ananias is introduced as a committed follower of Jesus residing in Damascus. His prompt and willing response to God's call reflects his intimate familiarity with and obedience to God's voice (Acts 9:10).
Acts 22:12-13: "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him."
Ananias, previously known for his devoutness as a Jew, maintains respect among fellow Jews despite his conversion to Christianity.
An Ordinary Disciple Used Extraordinarily Despite his devoutness and good reputation, Ananias remains an ordinary Christian man faithfully walking in the Lord's ways (Acts 9:10). God's choice of Ananias to minister to Saul highlights His preference for ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary purposes (Acts 9:10).
God's Meticulous Instruction God provides Ananias with specific instructions: he is to go to Straight Street, find the house of Judas, and locate Saul, who is praying and expecting Ananias to restore his sight (Acts 9:11-12). These precise instructions underscore God's detailed planning in orchestrating events.
Acts 9:11-12: "And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.'"
Saul's Chosen Instrument Despite Saul's notorious past of persecuting Christians, God designates him as His chosen instrument to proclaim His name among the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).
Acts 9:15: "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'"
Full Conversion and Healing of Paul Ananias obeys God's command and visits Saul, affirming his healing and the filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). As a result, Saul's sight is restored, symbolized by the falling of scales from his eyes, and he is baptized, marking his complete transformation and commissioning as an apostle (Acts 9:18).
Acts 9:18: "And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized."
Key Takeaways Open Your spiritual senses to recognize the "Ananias" in your life. Believers are encouraged to be attentive to God's interventions through people and circumstances, leading to spiritual transformation and healing.
Be an Ananias for a Saul in Your Life Embrace the role of being God's instrument in the lives of others, sharing the gospel boldly and providing support and guidance to those in need.
This passage vividly illustrates God's precise orchestration in using ordinary individuals like Ananias to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, emphasizing the importance of obedience and readiness to fulfill His plans.
Reflection and Response
How does Ananias' immediate response to God's call challenge your own readiness to obey when God calls you to unexpected or uncomfortable tasks?
Reflecting on Saul's transformation into Paul, what does this story teach us about the power of God's grace to change even the most hardened hearts? How does this inspire you in your own faith journey?
Considering God's meticulous instructions to Ananias (e.g., specific street, specific house, Saul praying), what does this reveal about God's attentiveness to detail in His plans for our lives? How does this encourage you to trust in His guidance?
Ananias was an ordinary disciple whom God used in an extraordinary way. How does this story challenge your perceptions about who God can use to accomplish His purposes? How might this influence the way you view your own role in God's kingdom work?