Losing Sight

by Gordy McCoy

In studying the book of Acts with the other Elders, I read several things that are exciting and even scary to think about. One of the scary things is found in chapter 9: 1-18.

“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lords’ followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of The Way he found there. He wanted to bring them, both men and women, back to Jerusalem in chains.”

The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one. Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there, blind, for three days and he did not eat or drink.Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision calling, “Ananias”.“Yes, Lord”, he replied.The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there ask for a man from Tarsus, named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”“But, Lord,” exclaimed, Ananias, I have heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! He is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for My Names sake.”So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Could you imagine what it would be like to lose your sight? Sauls was taken from him for three days, three dark days. Think about the scales that fell from his eyes. What they were like, maybe like scales from a fish. Like larger scales from a big bass or many scales like those on a trout or a salmon. Only Saul knows the details. The scales blocked his vision. Scary!

I think one of the most important things in these verses was that God had specifically chosen Saul to be his chosen instrument. We are also His chosen instruments to share His message. It is not a suggestion. We have a job to do, just like Saul. Just like Ananias. The One that has given us sight, gives us insight, to His agenda to spread His Word. He wants us to get The Word out about how much He loves His beloved people.

He will do whatever it takes because He means business about His business. Saul learned that God meant business and Sauls’ life was forever changed. He learned to look at his life thru Gods eyes. I want that perspective.

Matthew 28: 19-20

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.