“‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’
But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’
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.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. “
Acts 9:13-19a
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JANUARY 8, 2025
Saul’s reputation for persecuting the Church in Jerusalem accompanied him to Damascus. Understandably, Ananias was hesitant to enter Saul’s presence—yet this unlikely convert was now God’s chosen instrument. Ananias obeyed. Placing hands on his enemy, Saul’s eyesight was restored, and Saul’s change of heart was evidenced through baptism.
The Lord indicated to Ananias that Saul would carry His name before the Gentiles and their kings. The remainder of Acts (and the Pauline epistles) testify to this. Do you realize that we, as Gentiles, are the benefactors of this moment? The gospel spread throughout the Greco-Roman world as churches were planted by Paul and his fellow missionaries.
But there was a cost Paul would pay as he traveled. Ananias was also told that this man would encounter much suffering in his service for the Lord. Indeed, Paul would later write:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea. I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”
2 Corinthians 11:23b-27
God had a plan. He has a plan for you and me as well. We may not suffer like Paul, but we are called to live for the Lord and die to ourselves. The Lord’s path for each of us is unique. We have been gifted differently, and we each reside in a specific set of circumstances that is replicated by no one else. Our sphere of personal contacts with relatives, friends, neighbors, and colleagues is ours alone. God has orchestrated the milieu of our individual lives for us to love the people that surround us and to invite them into His kingdom through steadfast love, diligent prayer, acts of service, and gospel conversations. This is our mission field.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How could seeing yourself as a chosen instrument motivate your engagement in evangelism and disciple-making?
- Have you suffered because of your faith in Christ and service for His kingdom?
- Who is one person within your sphere of contacts that you could reach out to this year?
Church Reading Plan: Genesis 8; Matthew 8