Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Psalms 1 -3; Acts 9:1 -21
Obedience – Acts 9: 10-21
10 In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
He answered, “Yes, Lord.”
11 The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.”
15 The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
17 Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. 19 After eating, he regained his strength.
He stayed with the disciples in Damascus for several days. 20 Right away, he began to preach about Jesus in the synagogues. “He is God’s Son,” he declared.
21 Everyone who heard him was baffled. They questioned each other, “Isn’t he the one who was wreaking havoc among those in Jerusalem who called on this name? Hadn’t he come here to take those same people as prisoners to the chief priests?”
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Saul being blind could have been one of the most exciting news for the suffering disciples. They could have thought it was God’s first act to strike back. However, God’s plan was different from their expectation.
When Ananias first hears God’s call to go and heal Saul, and Ananias replies with the reason why Saul should not be healed.
If you think about it, it is odd, because God is the one who put Saul in that position and sending Ananias to the rescue.
However, it is clear that Ananias does not agree with God’s will. But he still follows the call.
Sometimes, when God calls us, there are times our initial response is close to ‘no way.’ However, we need to remember who God is; our Lord and Creator. We follow the ways of our Lord, even though it might not make sense at the moment.
When God’s will is followed by God’s people, God’s work flourishes through people being used as God’s ‘agent.’
Prayer
Lord, help us to follow your ways only. In Christ name, we pray, Amen.
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