"In Damascus there was disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, 'Ananias!' "Yes, Lord,' he answered!" Acts 9:10
The Lord sent Ananias to minister to the newly converted Saul of Tarsus. Ananias was instrumental in helping Saul take his first steps in the Christian life. We never hear of Ananias again in the Biblical record. He was just an ordinary disciple of Jesus who was sensitive and obedient to the Lord's leading in His life. Although his name is little known to us, Ananias played a significant role in Saul's life and thus in the Christian mission. The Lord knew Ananias name and entrusted him with a significant task. Every disciple who listens for the Lord's leading and obeys plays a significant role in God's kingdom whether his or her name ever becomes famous or not. Are we willing to be ordinary disciples who listens for God's call and respond obediently?
Father, I am an ordinary person who wants to be involved in your extraordinary work. Help me like Ananias to hear when You call and to say "Yes, Lord."
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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What we noticed last night was that Ananias asked God a legitimate question concerning his mission:
ReplyDelete13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem14and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." 15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;16for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."
God is big enough for our questions. But ultimately, when He says "Go," we are to obey.
Reading about Paul's conversion always lifts me up.It confirms the mercy and grace of our GOD.In 1Tim 1:12-14 Paul acknowledges the extent of that mercy shown him.Having a similar background as Paul(blasphemer and ignorant)it gives me continued hope in my own salvation.If a man like Paul can be saved and used for such an important task,how much more hope and joy I can have for myself and my salvation.I still do not know GOD's will or plan for my life but when HE calls I pray that my answer will always be "Here I am LORD".
ReplyDeletePastor Mark,
ReplyDeleteThe temptation to be seen (the pride of Life) is so overwhelming in life. But, yes I just want to be obedient to the Lord and allow him to receive all the honor that is due only Him. With out Him I can do nothing. Love in Christ Francie