A Series on God’s Call to Ministry
Acts 9:1-19
(Use
the link below to read the verses.)
[Preface: How do you know what your calling
in life is? Will you know from a big bang experience? Or will it come quietly,
almost imperceptible? Will you be inspired by the stories of a visiting
missionary; or a book that opens your eyes to the needs of a specific people
group; or from your own life experience? This series is about God’s call to
ministry for your life; what it means or doesn’t mean.]
People are
stubborn. Not you or me of course; but other people. Stubborn people have
trouble admitting their problems; admitting that they need help. They also have
trouble changing because, well… they’re stubborn; and proud; and rebellious.
Like I said though – not you or me.
In order for someone
who is stubborn to make a significant change, they have to get “hit upside the
head”. What won’t get their attention, is a subtle suggestion or a gentle
reminder. It has to be something monumental in order for them to really listen;
to open their eyes; to see the light… like Saul.
3 As
he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around
him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a
voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who
are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he
replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and
you will be told what you must do.” NIV
7-9 His
companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see
anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself
stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He
continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing. MSG
Saul was so passionate;
so head strong; so stubborn about persecuting the church, that the only way
Jesus could get his attention, was to literally knock him to the ground with a blinding flash of light. Jesus had to
hit him upside the head.
Have you ever had
an experience like that; where you were hit upside the head? I have; a
few times. And it’s not fun; but it is necessary. Because, I am stubborn and
proud, and don’t want to admit when I am wrong. This time… I am
including you and me.
Therefore, the
next time you feel like you’ve been hit upside the head, look around, not at your
surrounding circumstances, but look upwards. Try to figure out what Jesus is doing;
what he is trying to tell you; what he is calling you to do.
