Recommissioned
Opening Prayer
Lord, take the scales from my eyes today (18). I want to know You more.
Read Acts 9:10–19a
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 in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Look back over your life so far. There have been twists and turns along the journey. Can you see God’s hand in it?Ananias was terrified. Evidently, he knew all about Saul’s persecuting activities, and as a believer in Damascus he must have been worried for his own safety as well as for his friends’ safety, knowing that Saul was on his way (13,14). But a vision from God is hard to ignore, and so he obeyed God’s precise instructions to “Go” (11).
Perhaps Ananias was helped on his difficult mission by an early glimpse of God’s big plans for Saul and the church, which would not remain a solely Jewish movement for much longer (15). Perhaps he even began to feel some sympathy for the arch-persecutor when God pointed out that Saul’s future would involve suffering (16).
Try to imagine the atmosphere in the house on Straight Street when these two men met. Ananias was acting entirely by faith that he wouldn’t be stoned to death. Saul, on the other hand, was desperate for help. They find each other as Ananias placed his hands on Saul, which in his blindness was worth a world of words to him. Saul’s vision was restored and he was baptized. The world changed, not only for these two, but for all of us.
Apply
Take a moment to thank God for each turn in your life’s path.
Closing prayer
Lord, as I meet people around me, may I be Your instrument in their lives. Even in a small way, use me, Lord. Use even me.
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