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A CHOSEN VESSEL

Text: Acts 9
7 July 2019

A CLEAR EXAMPLE

We have a clear example of God’s calling in the Apostle Paul. The Pulpit theme for the months of July- August 2019 is wonderfully stated, “Called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). 

A GRIM AND DARK PAST

Paul had a grim past. The following text describes the man that he was before he understood God’s call.

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder 

Against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

And asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus,

So that if he found any who were of the Way,

Whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.     Acts 9:1-2

  1. Breathing threats and murder

a) This was a candid description of Saul (the original name of Paul)

b) He was incensed against all disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ

  1. Fanatical energy

a) He was not content with attacking Disciples in Judea

b) He was bent on harassing them even if they had fled to Damascus, Syria

LITERAL AND SYMBOLIC BLINDNESS

The Lord Jesus mercifully revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul experienced a traumatic moment when he became blind for a season. His blindness was both literal and symbolic:

  1. Literal blindness

a) Physical blindness was experienced

b) This must be one of the most traumatic experiences one could experience

  1. Symbolic significance

a) Saul had been blind to the truth

b) He had been blind to the reality of Jesus as the Risen Saviour

THE HEALING OF SAUL

A disciple by the name of Ananias was sent to heal Saul. To the objections of Ananias, the Lord gave this word.

“Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine”     Acts 9:15

  1. A chosen vessel

a) What a wonderful word from the Lord

b) This was the calling that God would give to Paul

  1. He would become God’s chosen vessel

a) The sinful man would become a saint

b) An unclean vessel would become a chosen vessel

The Call of God is never without purpose. Let us seek to discover God’s purpose in our calling to salvation and service!