Daring Disobedience
Opening Prayer
Faithful God, I praise and thank You today for Your faithfulness to me in so many ways every day.
Read Acts 9:10-19
[10] In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. [11] The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. [12] In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” [13] “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. [14] And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” [15] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [18] Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, [19] and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did God reassure Ananias to go to Saul?This is the only time in the Bible that we meet this man, Ananias (same name, different person from ch. 5!) and we only get a brief snapshot of his life. He’s no Christian celebrity, just an ordinary follower of Jesus, but he sets an amazing example for us all. First, he listens to God. We can assume that he has a faith-filled relationship with God, as God picks him out to do this particularly daunting task. The idea of voluntarily walking into a room where Saul is and praying for him must have felt suicidal, so Ananias’ initial response to God (13,14) is completely understandable! But Ananias exercises his faith, trusts what God has said about his plans for Saul (15,16), and shows great boldness in his obedience. On finding Saul, Ananias ministers to him from his first words. Addressing him as “Brother Saul” speaks not only of the new relationship Saul now has with God as his father, but also of his new relationship with other believers. Ananias shows love, acceptance and forgiveness to a very recent enemy as he prays.
Apply
How and how often do you listen to God? Do you listen enough? Spend time listening to God now.
Closing prayer
Lord, open my heart to want to listen to You and give me spiritual ears so I can hear and obey You.
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