4. GUIDANCE BY INSTRUCTING VISIONS

There are many examples of instructing visions in the Scriptures. At least ten enlightening occurrences are recorded in the book of Acts. Consideration of these will greatly help our knowledge and confidence in this form of divine leading.

Acts 9:3-8 shows it to be a vision of the living Christ. It is not essential to salvation to have a vision such as Paul's, but each one must have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, that results in repentance and saving faith.

He calls it "the heavenly vision" to which he was not disobedient.

Acts 26:19 "... I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: " (KJV)

Obedience is the proof of repentance - he obediently confessed Christ before men.

Acts 26:20 "... first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. " (KJV)

Obedience is expressed in believing and confessing, as one action (Romans 10:8-10 ). Faith centres on the Lordship of the risen Christ.

That moment of blinding vision produced zealous commitment to Jesus of Nazareth as Lord. He now identified the Lord Yahweh of the Old Testament whom he zealously served, with Jesus of Nazareth whom he so ferociously persecuted through His saints. He immediately acclaimed Him Lord. He was about to apprehend Christians to imprison them - now he was apprehended by the Lord.

In these shattering moments he learned two great facts.

First, that Jesus was the Christ and truly God, which caused him to accept Jesus as Lord.

Second, that persecuting Christians was really persecuting Christ, which caused him to deeply love the saints.

By vision Saul came to see that salvation brings love for Christ and His people. There are those who need a vision from heaven to convince them.

Saul had another vision instructing him, while waiting in the gloom of his temporary blindness.

Acts 9:12 "And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." (NKJV)

He was instructed of his need of man to man ministry. He was given the name of the servant who was coming. This would protect him from impostors and confirm the vision. Visions of instruction can be received in company and when alone. It is not without significance that prayer is often associated with visions, angelic visitation and divine manifestation in Luke and Acts.

Luke 1:10 "And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. " (KJV)

Luke 3:21 "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened," (KJV)

Ananias was also prepared and instructed by vision.

Acts 9:10 "And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. " (KJV)

He needed special guidance because of the character and purposes of Saul. Even had he known Saul's whereabouts he would not have been wise to go and witness to him without special guidance - hence his natural questioning.

Acts 9:13,14 "Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name." (KJV)

	Through him Saul saw the love of Christ in unquestioning acceptance as brother Saul (Acts 9:17 ).
	Through him Saul received the power of Christ in healing (Acts 9:17, 18 ).
	Through him Saul received the power of the Holy Spirit for service (Acts 9:17 ).
	Through him Saul received enlightenment about God's plan for his life.

Note the details contained in Acts 9:15, 16, that he was able to give.

Acts 9:15,16 "... for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. " (KJV)

Visions can bring counsellors and the counsellee together, and can set the agenda for the discussion, and can supernaturally present God's will and purpose for the one being ministered to.