Day 37: Saul and Ananias (Acts 9: 1-22)
Saul hated all Christians, and he wanted them dead. They threatened the belief system upon which he had built his entire life. He was more than happy to be used by his God to put an end to their destructive ways that threatened his religion. As he traveled to Damascus, he had the support of the Jewish priests to bring all traitors of the Law back to Jerusalem. He reveled in his thoughts while he approached Damascus, but suddenly his thoughts came to an abrupt halt. The brightest light he had ever seen flashed around him, and being unable to withstand the power of it, he fell to the ground. The men with him were startled as well, but it was the Voice that came from heaven that rendered them all speechless. “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?”
Who was this who knew him by name, Saul questioned with great fear in his heart. Yet, something inside of him knew it was Jesus. Getting up from the ground Saul quickly realized that he had been blinded, perhaps by the bright light itself. The men that were with him led him into Damascus, and it was there that he waited for more instruction from the Lord. Saul then chose to neither eat nor drink for the next three days.
Ananias was told by God to go to the place where Saul was staying. Struggling with his assignment, he questioned the validity of Saul’s conversion. He knew all too well of Saul’s brutality toward the believers in Jerusalem. But God had clarified to him what Saul’s mission would be—he would be used to bring Jesus and salvation to the Gentiles. God deemed Saul a “chosen instrument,” much to Ananias’ surprise.
Arriving at the house where Saul was staying, Ananias confirmed Jesus’ involvement in both of their lives. Immediately Saul could see again, he was baptized by Ananias, and he began to prove to the Christians in Damascus that he solemnly believed that Jesus truly was the Messiah.
Do you think (like Saul might have) that your sins have been too great to be completely forgiven, let alone to be used by God for ministry? Do you use that as an excuse to not serve Him as He desires? Do you question the validity of the salvation of those who have greatly sinned? Do you support those who are newly saved? Are you a chosen vessel?
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