Right road/ wrong vision, seems to be how one might describe the modern day church. For the most part the church is attempting to press forward with the wrong vision. Jesus said He came to "seek and save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). A similar mandate was set forth for the church in Matthew 28:19-20. The message of the church is to be one of redemption. As the body of Christ we are called to go and teach but have changed that message to one resembling more of an enticement. Mankind is enslaved under the power of the flesh and a tyrannical dictator. Deliverance is paramount. Jesus came to set the captives free. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. His way leads to life and life more abundantly. Unfortunately, the message of the church is one focusing on the abundance negating the need for deliverance. Prosperity, health and a multitude of divine benefits can indeed be the by-products of a life surrendered but, these must not be the motivation to seek or to be drawn. So much of the message of the church appeals to the life of the flesh rather than the death thereof.

In Acts chapter 9 with the account of Paul's conversion we see a prime example of being on the right road with the wrong vision. Paul who at that time was called Saul was desirous of going to Damascus to further his persecution of the church. He was on the right road, pursuing the gospel, but with the wrong vision. His going to Damascus was no coincidence. "The way of man is not in himself, it is not in man that walks that directs his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). God had a plan and a purpose for Paul which would be partially fulfilled in Damascus. Paul's desire to go was God given and God directed. One thing needed to change; Paul's vision. Change was brought about through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Paul's encounter changed his vision. Paul was first blinded to his past so he could be prepared to receive a new perspective. He was at a point where his education his zeal or the fact that he acted on governmental authority; all of which were socially and cultural acceptable carried no weight in light of God's purpose for his life.

We should also note that the duration of Paul's blindness was coupled with prayer vs. 9 and fasting vs.11. Could it be that the hold of Paul's past would only be broken and only go out by prayer and fasting? (See Matthew 17:21). Paul's way, his vision did seem right to him. Paul was also led to a street called "Straight" which means level and true. God's word tells us that "straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life. New life was about to be given and a new vision about to be imparted. God had chosen to bring this through a man named Ananias whose name means "Jehovah has been gracious".

Without further exposition suffice it to say that we the church could glean much from looking more intently at Paul's conversion. The church is on the right road if we pursue The True and Living God. But, as is evidenced by our message we need to have a change in our vision. We need to be blinded to what we have been and are still able to accomplish without God. We need a fresh encounter to change our vision to that which is 'straight', that which is level and true with God's word and His desire; the nature and character that God by His grace wants to empower us to see and be. We have become so focused on certain aspects of God's power and provision that we no longer convert sinners but merely entice them and then fail to hold them when they encounter the truth. Our vision and message have led to a deprivation of having a relationship with Jesus Christ which has translated into a mass exodus from true Christianity.

We as a church need to repent, seek to be filled with the knowledge of God's will with all wisdom and spiritual understanding and a vision that encompasses the whole of God's truth. Maybe a season of fasting and prayer are in order as well. I believe that at that juncture God would be pleased to manifest His Glory and Power in keeping with His divine nature. Who knows maybe we would see REVIVAL.

Let the church rise and let it be so!!! Even so come Lord Jesus!!!