"Father, forgive them . . ."

A mini-sermon by C. Emerson Strain

An interesting study on God's vengeance is seen in the Apostle Paul's dealing with a man on the isle of Paphos.

And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Acts 13:6

Which was with the deputy of the country, Serjius Paulus, a prudent man: who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. Acts 13:7

But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Acts 13:8

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. Acts 13:9

And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? Acts 13:10

And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Acts 13:11

Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. Acts 13:12

Now you could say that Paul put a curse on this man, but think again. Here was a man named Paul. One time in his life he was called Saul and had Christians put to death.

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Acts 8:3

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, . . . Acts 9:1

But one day he was made blind so that he could see clearly. I believe that Paul knew his own personal blindness brought him to see Jesus, "whom thou persecutest". So it was easy for him to ask for the same blessing on this fellow that maybe he might see the truth also.

Paul said "thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." God can open blinded eyes. The problem lies in unforgiveness on our parts. If someone does us wrong, we might want God's vengeance on that person. Paul didn't want vengeance on the sorcerer, he only wanted his eyes opened. Do you want someone's eyes permanently blinded or blinded for a season so they can see clearly.

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:4

Paul remembered what a wretch he was and how God extended mercy unto him. We need to remember to extend mercy also. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Rom 12:19

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