The Proper Order
Many who read this will be familiar with a man who began his life being known as Saul. The Bible informs us, among other things, of his early religious training as a Jew. There can be no doubt about his devotion and zeal to a cause he believed to be pleasing to God.
However, we also see this same man being referred to later as Paul. Something besides his name had changed. His purpose in life had changed. People were saying of him that he was now “…preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (Gal. 1:23). His zeal for the cause of Christ eclipsed the zeal he had as a Jew.
The transformation from “Saul of Tarsus” to “the apostle Paul” began during a journey that he made from Jerusalem to Damascus.We first read about that journey and its events in Acts 9, but we also find more information in other passages in that book. I would like for us to focus on Paul’s own “retelling” of his experience as recorded in Acts 22.
The information in that chapter informs us about two very important questions asked by the man who was then known as Saul. It seems to me that these questions need to be considered by all of us. I believe that the order in which the questions were asked also needs to be considered.
In Acts 22:6-7, Paul recounts how, while he was on his way to Damascus, he saw a bright light from heaven and heard a voice. He also recounts the question he asked: “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 22:8). After learning that he was speaking to Jesus, his next question was, “What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10).
Please do not overlook the order of those questions. That order is vitally important.
In every facet of our lives it is very important that the proper authority is established. It is also important to establish a respect for proper authority.
Some people learn at a very early age to question information and/or instructions. The question asked by some may be short on tact, but long on significance. That question is: “Says who?”
It is of interest that, before Jesus gave His apostles what we sometimes call “The Great Commission,” He first made sure that they understood one foundational fact. That fact was that: “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18).
All of this is not to suggest that, in every instance, there will be appropriate decisions and actions. The response of Pharaoh to Moses and Aaron when he was first asked to let the Israelites leave Egypt is interesting. Although his hardened heart did not permit him to act appropriately, he apparently recognized the principle we are discussing here.
“But Pharaoh said, ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go’” (Ex. 5:2).
It seems to me that, in every area of our lives, we need to ask ourselves the following questions and make sure we keep them in the proper order.
- What (or who) is the source of the information I am receiving?
- Exactly what am I being told and/or asked to do?
- Do I have the kind of heart that will allow me to act in an appropriate manner?
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
