Luke the physician wrote after “Saul” saw a great light and heard Jesus' voice on the way to Damascus, the Lord spoke to a man named Ananias whom He told to, “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name. But the Lord said unto him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost”, and in chapter nine and verse eighteen of the book of Acts Luke shared concerning Saul, “immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales” where we read:
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:
and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
The verse begins, “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:” Luke began with the words, “and immediately there fell from his eyes” which means “and forthwith and straightaway there descended and slipped down apart from Saul's physical eyes” “as it had been scales” or “flake like peelings”. Luke shared how “flake like peelings” “fell” from “Saul's” eyes after “Ananias” lay his hands upon him.
The verse goes on to say, “and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Luke continued with the words, “and he received sight forthwith” which means “and Saul was able to see immediately and straightaway”, “and arose” or “and rose and got up”, “and was baptized” which means “and was immersed, submerged or dipped for cleansing”. Luke shared how “Saul” was “immediately” able to see, got up and was “immersed in water for spiritual cleansing”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how God honored the obedience of “Ananias” as “Saul” was “immediately” able to “see”, rose from his seated position and was “baptized”. “Saul” was not only had vision physically, but he “saw” “spiritually” as well. “Saul” was to be used mightily in God's Kingdom, and this beginning was where his life was transformed. God loves people, and regardless of their background or opposition to Him, He is able to help them “see”, repent and be “baptized” for the remission of their sins. Let all who carefully examine this total transformation in “Saul” understand that God is ready to change anyone who yields themselves to His Son Jesus.
Next time Luke shares concerning Saul, “when he had received meat, he was strengthened”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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