Acts 22:6-10 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come near to Damascus about noon… I. SAUL'S MISDIRECTED ENERGY. The immense energy of the man is apparent to us at once. 1. Energy is a splendid trait in any man's character. It is great, and we love what is great. It is a grand thing to look upon the mighty sea, when the waves rise mountains high, and the great ocean breast is stirred with the wild commotion of the storm. There seems to be such Divine energy in it, and our hearts are filled with wonder and with awe as we gaze upon it. It makes us think of God. And it is a grand thing to see in a fellow man something of this great force of doing; a great soul full of active energy. We watch such a man battling his way through the host of opposing forces, overcoming every obstacle, trampling down every difficulty, until he reaches the point towards which he was striving. "There is energy," we say; and we admire it from our hearts. We can never admire a man who altogether lacks this force of character; who is idle and listless; who never seems to have a definite object in view; who is never struggling for anything. 2. A distinction must be drawn between lovable energy and unlovable noise and show. Intense energy is often intensely quiet. 3. And so, although it is a splendid thing to have energy of character, it is withal a very dangerous thing. 4. See the unutterable importance for energetic souls of wise and holy guidance during their early years. 5. Think, too, how sad must be the closing days of a man of strong character who has never yielded himself to God. II. GOD'S METHOD OF CONVERTING SAUL'S MISDIRECTED ENERGY. He was converted by — 1. A vision of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:8). 2. Hearing the voice of Jesus. III. THE ENERGETIC SOUL'S INQUIRY AFTER HIS CONVERSION — "What shall I do, Lord?" (J. Kirk Pike.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. |
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