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At midday, O king, I saw in the
Way a light from heaven, above The brightness of the sun, Shining round about me… Acts26:13
The light of the sun, natural light gives us the ability to see natural things. We are able to move about in the world because of the light the sun gives. The light “above the brightness of the sun” allows us to see supernatural things. It allows us to move about in the spiritual realm bringing healing, and insight and deliverance. The light of the sun causes plants and vegetables and fruits to grow. Through the power of the sun plants, vegetables, and fruits get the energy they need to be what they were intended to be. The light “above the brightness of the sun” not only causes us to grow, it has the power to change the heart. Natural light can not change the heart only the light of Christ can change the heart. When Saul saw the light of Christ, not only was his name changed to Paul, his nature too was changed. The light of Christ turned Paul from a persecutor of Christians to a lover of the gentile. Natural light is not capable of doing this. The light of Christ not only changed his nature but also changed his theology. Before his conversion Paul believed that only the Jew could be saved by following the Mosaic Covenant. After his conversion he changed his theology to salvation by faith apart from works believing that the Abrahamic Covenant preceded Moses and allowed for the reception of the gentile into the salvation plan. Natural light and natural reason can not change the heart and mind and soul, but the light, “above the brightness of the sun” can. Natural reason is limited to the laws of nature. The light of Christ is revelation which transcends man’s thoughts, insight, and ability. What God did for Paul God can do for everyone who is born again. He can change a heart that is bitter, unforgiving, and prejudiced to one of love, forgiveness and inclusiveness. He can change the heart. The light of Christ does not depend on what we have been equipped with naturally. God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. The light of Christ does not need natural intelligence or insight to promulgate the kingdom. He can give supernatural wisdom to the simple and the humble without the need of willpower or intellect or physical attractiveness. In fact for most of us natural giftedness is an obstacle to true holiness and wisdom. The light of Christ is the light that is “above the brightness of the sun”. Its power is greater than any natural power or illumination. If we “walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin” (1John1:7) and this, the light of reason, can not do. It has the power to turn the sinner into a saint, an enemy of God into a child of the king. If you have received the light of Christ, allow that light to transform you as it did Paul from an enemy of Christ to his greatest ally. Soak in the light. Dwell in the light. Be transformed by the light. Be a child of the light. Then you will walk in the Spirit and love as Jesus loved. Amen. |