“to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’”
Acts 26:18 (NLT)
Paul is standing in the presence of Jesus. Jesus has appeared to select him, make him a servant and witness, and send him to the Gentiles. Paul’s experience with Jesus will become his testimony. He is called to open the eyes of unbelievers so they can turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Our mission as followers of the Way is the same.
This turning is a shift in our power source. When the world is our way of living, we are running on the power of Satan. But when we repent and walk into the light, God becomes our source. We turn away from the world and turn to the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we receive complete forgiveness for our sins, past, present, and future, and we are given a place in God’s family.
This faith sets us apart. Faith in Jesus’ sacrifice allows us to be made holy, forgiven, and made heirs who have received the inheritance of eternal life. Ephesians 1:14 tells us that Holy Spirit is our guarantee of all the promises we will receive as God’s people. Like Israel, we are set apart to live in God’s presence. That is how we become beacons of light. God’s presence changes us.
The call to make disciples looks like giving people new glasses, helping others to see differently, and allowing the light that has changed us to change others. Let’s go and do what Paul did: share the good news. We have received the same forgiveness and have access to the same Holy Spirit. So will we live like we are set apart? Will we speak with a stranger, a co-worker, or a family member about Jesus so they can receive the forgiveness and inheritance we have received?