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Unlikely Leaders - Contents
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    In Lonely Seclusion

    Saul spent these days of self-examination and humiliation in lonely seclusion. The believers feared that he might be putting on an act in order to deceive them, and they refused him sympathy. He had no desire to appeal to the unconverted Jews, for he knew they would not even listen to his story. So his only hope of help was in a merciful God, and to Him he appealed with a broken heart. Shut in with God alone, Saul recalled many passages of Scripture referring to the first advent of Christ. As he reflected on the meaning of these prophecies, he was astonished at his former blindness and the blindness of the Jews in general. Prejudice and unbelief had prevented him from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah of prophecy.ULe 45.4

    As Saul yielded to the Holy Spirit, he saw the mistakes of his life and recognized the far-reaching claims of the law of God. He had been a proud Pharisee, confident that he was justified by his good works, but now he bowed before God with humility, confessing his unworthiness and pleading the merits of a crucified Savior. Saul longed to come into full harmony with the Father and the Son, and in intensity he offered fervent prayers to the throne of grace.ULe 45.5

    His prayers were not in vain. The inmost thoughts of his heart were transformed, and his mind came into harmony with God’s purposes. Christ and His righteousness became more to Saul than the whole world.ULe 45.6

    He had believed that Jesus had disregarded the law of God and taught His disciples that it was of no effect, but after conversion Saul recognized Jesus as the one who had come into the world for the purpose of upholding His Father’s law. He was convinced that Jesus was the originator of the Jewish system of sacrifices and that symbol had met fulfillment at the crucifixion.ULe 45.7

    Saul was one whom Christ chose for a most important work, yet the Lord did not immediately tell him of the work he was assigned. When Saul asked, “What do You want me to do?” the Savior placed him in connection with His church, to learn God’s will for him. Christ had performed the work of revelation and conviction. Now the repentant Saul was to learn from those whom God had designated to teach His truth.ULe 45.8

    While Saul continued alone in prayer, the Lord appeared in vision to “a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias.” “Arise and go into the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”ULe 46.1

    Ananias could scarcely believe the words of the angel. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the command was firm: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”ULe 46.2

    Obediently, Ananias sought out the man who had breathed out threatenings against all who believed in Jesus. Putting his hands on the head of the repentant sufferer, he said, “‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus ... has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.”ULe 46.3

    Thus Jesus placed Saul in connection with His appointed agencies on earth. The work of directing the repentant sinner in the way of life belonged to the organized church.ULe 46.4

    Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone, independent of His recognized followers on earth. Jesus is the friend of sinners and has all power, but He respects the means He has chosen for our salvation. He directs sinners to the church, which He has made a channel of light to the world.ULe 46.5

    When Saul was given a revelation of Christ, he was placed in direct communication with the church. In this case Ananias represented Christ and also Christ’s ministers, who are appointed to act in His place. In Christ’s place Ananias touched the eyes of Saul. Representing Christ, he placed his hands on him, and as he prayed in Christ’s name, Saul received the Holy Spirit. Ananias did all this in the name of Christ and by Christ’s authority. Christ is the fountain; the church is the channel of communication.ULe 46.6

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