The heavenly vision

Acts 26:19

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.

The story of Paul’s conversion is a dramatic one. Few have been converted as he was, coming face to face with the risen Lord, and being given a glimpse of God’s glory. No wonder he turned out to be the apostle to the Gentiles. The life that he lived as a Christian began with that great defining moment—the moment that the Lord saved him and called him. Most will be saved, and discern a calling of God at a later time. But not so with Paul. He immediately felt the weight and the burden of what God had given him to do and began to witness in Damascus and in Jerusalem of the saving power and the truth of Christ. He immediately set about doing what the Lord had called him to do. What was he to do? Preach to the Gentiles! He was to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. This was the vision God gave him on that monumental day, and he was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

Now, may I ask, what is the vision of God to you? You may not have been converted on the road to Damascus; you may not have experienced the same glory that Paul did, but without doubt God has called you to something. He has given a vision in your heart of what you are to do. You must have a vision! Without a vision, the people perish! What a terrible prospect! God may have called you to be a minister to others in their need. If so, this ought to be done with cheer and thankfulness! If the Lord has called you to take the gospel to someone, it must be done as soon as it can be done. We must not be disobedient to the heavenly vision! We must witness both to small and great. And this we will do only by obtaining help of God. We must seek the Lord’s help in fulfilling the vision He has laid before us.

I know not what your assignment is, but I pray that you will not be disobedient, but only obedient to the heavenly vision.

“Father, we know that to each of us has been given a specific assignment and a particular work. This is the vision of God to us! May we take it seriously and set about it at once as Paul did. May we faithfully fulfill it today, cheerfully obeying your command. May there be no delay or hesitancy. May we not be reticent in the great calling of God. You have been gracious to give us a calling! May we fulfill the heavenly vision today. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”