Opened Eyes

Opened Eyes

Acts 9:1–9 ESV

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. We gather here today, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the grand narrative of God's love. We stand here, not as individuals lost in the wilderness, but as a community, united in Christ’s love and grace. We're not here just to hear a message, but to experience a transformation.

Transformation Through Christ

The story of Saul, later known as Paul, is a testament to the transformative power of Christ. Saul was a man who was vehemently against the followers of Christ. He was a persecutor, a man who breathed threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. Yet, on the road to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus that changed the course of his life forever.

This encounter was not a casual meeting. It was a divine intervention that brought Saul face to face with the very person he was persecuting. The voice from heaven asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" The voice was not of a man, but of Jesus Himself. This was a personal encounter, a direct confrontation that challenged Saul's actions and beliefs.

The transformation that Saul experienced was not just a change of mind or a shift in perspective. It was a complete overhaul of his life. He was blinded physically, but spiritually, his eyes were opened. He was led by the hand into Damascus, helpless and dependent, a stark contrast to the man who was once full of threats and murder. For three days, he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. This was a period of waiting, of anticipation, a time of preparation for the transformation that was to come.

The transformation that Saul experienced was not an isolated event. It had a ripple effect that extended beyond himself. The man who once persecuted the followers of Christ became one of the most fervent proponents of the faith. His letters to the early churches form a significant part of the New Testament, providing guidance and encouragement to believers across generations. His transformation became a testimony to the power of Christ, a beacon of hope for those who are lost and broken.

The transformation that Saul experienced was not a result of his own efforts or abilities. It was entirely the work of Christ. Saul did not seek Jesus; it was Jesus who sought him. Saul did not change himself; it was Jesus who changed him. It was not Saul's strength, but Christ's grace. It was not Saul's wisdom, but Christ's revelation. It was not Saul's righteousness, but Christ's forgiveness.

In the same way, the transformation that we seek is not something that we can achieve on our own. It is not a product of our own efforts or abilities. It is the work of Christ in us. It is His grace that changes us, His love that redeems us, His power that transforms us. Like Saul, we may find ourselves on a road, pursuing our own plans and ambitions. But when we encounter Jesus, we are confronted with the reality of who we are and who He is. We are challenged to let go of our old selves and embrace the new life that He offers.

This transformation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. It is not a destination, but a journey. It is not about perfection, but about progress. It is not about being good enough, but about being made new in Christ. It is not about what we can do for God, but about what God has done for us in Christ.

So, as we reflect on the story of Saul, let us also reflect on our own lives. Are we open to the transforming power of Christ? Are we willing to let go of our old selves and embrace the new life that He offers? Are we ready to experience the ripple effect of His salvation in our lives? Let us pray for the grace to say 'yes' to His call, to surrender to His will, and to live as transformed people in a world that desperately needs the hope and love of Christ.

Testimony of a Transformed Life

As we turn our attention to the story of Saul, we find a man whose life was marked by zealous persecution of those who followed the Way. He was relentless in his pursuit, seeking out men and women who professed faith in Jesus Christ, intent on bringing them bound to Jerusalem. His life was one of fervor and dedication, but it was directed against the very people he would later join in fellowship.

Saul's life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus. It was there that he encountered a light from heaven, a light so bright that it caused him to fall to the ground. This was no ordinary light. This was a divine light, a light that signified the presence of the Lord. It was in this moment that Saul heard a voice, a voice that would forever change the course of his life.

"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. The response he received was not one he expected. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." It was in this moment that Saul's life was transformed. He was no longer the persecutor; he had become the persecuted. He was no longer the hunter; he had become the hunted. His life was no longer his own; it now belonged to Christ.

The transformation that occurred in Saul's life was not just a personal one. It had a ripple effect, impacting those around him and those who would come after him. His transformation was a testament to the power of Christ, a power that could change the heart of even the most zealous persecutor. It was a testament to the grace of God, a grace that extends to all, regardless of their past.

Saul's transformation was not a one-time event. It was an ongoing process, a process that involved physical blindness and spiritual awakening. For three days, Saul was without sight. He did not eat or drink. He was in a state of physical and spiritual limbo, waiting for what was to come. It was during this time that Saul came to understand the depth of his sin and the magnitude of God's grace.

The word used for "persecuting" in the original Greek is "diōkō." This word carries the connotation of pursuing or chasing after someone with hostile intent. It is used in other passages such as Matthew 5:10, where Jesus says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In this context, it is used to describe the treatment of those who follow Christ. It is also used in Philippians 3:14, where Paul, the transformed Saul, writes, "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Here, the same word is used to describe Paul's pursuit of Christ, a stark contrast to his former life of persecuting Christ's followers.

Saul's transformation was not just about him. It was about the people he would impact as a result of his transformation. It was about the message he would carry to the ends of the earth, a message of hope and redemption. It was about the church he would help build, a church that would stand as a beacon of light in a dark world.

Saul's transformation was not just a testament to the power of Christ. It was also a testament to the work of Christ. It was Christ who appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus. It was Christ who spoke to him, revealing his sin and extending grace. It was Christ who transformed Saul's heart, turning him from a persecutor to a proclaimer of the gospel.

In the end, Saul's transformation serves as a reminder to us all. It reminds us of the transformative power of Christ, a power that can change even the hardest of hearts. It reminds us of the grace of God, a grace that extends to all, regardless of their past. And it reminds us of the call to live transformed lives, lives that bear witness to the power and grace of Christ.

The Ripple Effect of Salvation

The Ripple Effect of Salvation is a fascinating aspect of our faith. It's like throwing a pebble into a pond. The initial splash is exciting, but the ripples that follow, the waves that spread out, touching every part of the pond, that's where the true beauty lies.

In the same way, when Saul, a man known for his relentless pursuit of those who followed Christ, experienced a life-changing encounter with the risen Lord, it was not just a splash, but a ripple effect that spread far and wide, touching countless lives. Saul, who later became Paul, was transformed, and his testimony has echoed through the ages, inspiring millions to follow Christ.

The first aspect of this ripple effect that we need to consider is the transformation that occurred within Saul himself. Saul was a man of conviction, a man who believed he was doing God's work by persecuting the followers of Christ. But when he encountered the risen Lord, his entire worldview was turned upside down. He realized that he was not persecuting mere men and women, but he was persecuting Christ Himself. This realization led to a radical transformation in Saul. He went from being a persecutor of Christians to being one of the most influential apostles of Christ. His letters to the early churches form a significant part of the New Testament and continue to guide and inspire believers today.

The renowned Christian author, C.S. Lewis, once said, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." This quote perfectly encapsulates the transformation that Saul underwent. He started seeing everything through the lens of Christ's love and grace. His previous beliefs and actions were put into perspective, and he realized the error of his ways. This transformation was not just a personal victory for Saul, but it had far-reaching implications. It was a testament to the power of Christ's love and grace, a testament that continues to inspire believers even today.

The second aspect of the ripple effect is the impact of Saul's transformation on the early church. Saul was a well-known figure among the early Christians, but for all the wrong reasons. He was feared and despised for his relentless persecution of Christians. But when news of his conversion spread, it gave the early Christians hope. If a man as hardened and zealous as Saul could be transformed by Christ's love, then truly, no one was beyond the reach of God's grace. This gave the early Christians the courage and conviction to continue spreading the message of Christ, despite the persecution they faced.

Finally, the ripple effect of Saul's transformation continues to impact us today. His letters to the early churches, his teachings, and his testimony continue to guide and inspire us. His transformation serves as a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. It challenges us to look at our own lives and ask ourselves if we are open to the transformative power of Christ's love.

So, as we reflect on the ripple effect of Saul's transformation, let us not just be passive observers. Let us be active participants. Let us allow the transformative power of Christ's love to work in our lives. Let us be the pebble that creates ripples, touching lives and spreading the message of Christ's love and grace.

Conclusion

As we close today, let's remember the transformative power of God's love and grace in our lives. Saul's story is not just a tale from the past, it's a testament to the present and future work of God in each of our lives. We've seen how God can turn a persecutor into a preacher, a hater into a lover, a cynic into a believer. That's the power of God's love. It's not about who we were, but who we can become in Him.

God's love is not a passive love. It's a love that seeks us out, that shines a light in our darkest corners, that transforms us from the inside out. It's a love that doesn't give up on us, even when we might give up on ourselves. It's a love that sees not just who we are, but who we can be.

And so, as we go from here, let's carry this message of transformation in our hearts. Let's remember that no matter how far we might feel from God, no matter how lost we might feel, God's love is seeking us out. His grace is ready to transform us. His arms are always open, ready to welcome us home.

Let's pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unending love and grace. We thank You for the transformation we've seen in Saul's life, and the transformation we can experience in our own lives. As we leave this place, help us to carry Your message of love and transformation to the world. Help us to be beacons of Your light in the darkness. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

And now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and forevermore. Amen.

Go in peace, live in love, and serve the Lord. Amen.