By Jim Faughn
Most who read this will be at least somewhat familiar with the experience that a man who was then known as Saul of Tarsus had as he traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus. If you are not familiar with this, you can read the original account recorded in the ninth chapter of Acts and recounted later by the man who was then known as Paul in the twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapter of that same book. Saul was making that trip in order to imprison and/or punish Christians.
All of that began to change when Saul saw an extremely bright light. The light was so bright that Saul lost his eyesight for three days. As those who have read this account know, the light that blinded him was the appearance of the One whose followers he was trying to forcefully discourage – and that’s a very kind way of expressing what Saul’s intentions were. Those early followers of Jesus were the recipients of almost unspeakable treatment from the man who went from being a notorious enemy of Jesus and His followers to being one of the Lord’s most influential ambassadors.
Saul’s experience on the road to Damascus is somewhat similar to an experience which Isaiah had centuries earlier. You can find that experience recorded in the sixth chapter of the book that bears his name. Like Saul, Isaiah was overwhelmed by something he saw. As he would write,
…my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts! (Isaiah 6:5)
Without getting too deep into similarities and differences, let me suggest the following:
In both instances, a man was overwhelmed by the majesty of Deity. This incredible experience humbled him. This, in turn, led to a life of sacrificial service as an effective spokesman for God.
It is my opinion that it is tempting for some who claim to speak for God today to be blinded by a light. Unfortunately, however, that light seems to be a spotlight. That light can blind a person in so many ways and to so many things. When that happens to any of us, there is always the risk of becoming, as an old saying goes, legends in our own minds.
Helping people to know and understand the truth and wisdom that is found in God’s word is one thing. Allowing people (and maybe yourself) to think that you are the source of truth and wisdom is quite another thing. The spotlight all too often will not allow a person to see that difference.
The spotlight has the potential of ruining men who may have at one time actually been faithful servants of and spokesmen for God. The spotlight can blind a person to the dangers of religious error, immoral lifestyles, materialism, and a host of other things.
The man who saw that bright light on the road to Damascus and would be baptized in Damascus (Acts 22:16) would spend the rest of his life “…preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” (Gal. 1:23)
Paul’s “spiritual vision” was very clear. His concern was for those who heard his message. As he wrote of people whom he described as “lost” or “perishing,” he said this:
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:4-6)
It seems to me that those who truly love the souls of people and their own souls would be well advised to read and carefully consider that.
- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith.  |
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