The Well
The Well |
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Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Thursday
August 21, 2008
The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house
of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right
now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias
coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again."
"But
Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard about the terrible things this man has
done to the believers in Jerusalem! And we hear that he is authorized by the
leading priests to arrest every believer in Damascus.
But the Lord said,
"Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to
take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of
Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer
for me."
So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and
said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent
me so that you may get your sight back and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Instantly something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his
sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and was
strengthened.
Acts 9:11-19
Can you imagine Ananias' surprise when Jesus appeared to him and gave him such profound instructions? Can you imagine questioning the Lord? Can you imagine being trusted with such an important message? Well, even though this man knew that Saul (Paul) was a murderer of Christian's – he obeyed and as a result you have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, can you imagine Saul, sitting in the dark, seeing a stranger coming to you and laying hands on you and then receiving your eye-sight immediately thereafter; as well as the vision coming into fruition? Some visions occur that quickly, but unfortunately, most take years. The important thing is that we obey quickly when we receive immediate instructions.
Another important thing about today's scripture is that Jesus wanted Saul to know that he was chosen by God to take the Good News to all people and in so doing he would suffer much. We sometimes forget that don't we? This reminds me of Jesus' words that to whom much is given, much will be expected.
Like the prostitute who washed Jesus' feet, Saul was forgiven much. Although he was forgiven, the work he was to do for the Lord would not be an easy road. People would not trust him and he would also be misunderstood. Sound familiar in your life? When I take the time to recognize just how much the Lord has forgiven me in light of scripture like today's, I can accept the circumstances of my life a little better.
Several years ago Roger and I were on a local radio program sharing what the Lord had done in our lives. The host asked, "Sharon, why do you think the Lord entrusted you with such a profound gift?" Without even having to think I responded, "Because He knows I will not keep my mouth shut." I will never stop telling the wondrous story of what the Lord has done for me. I will not give up the vision He gave me, and I will do my best to obey Him instantly. Maybe He will lead me to another person, like Saul, who will make a dramatic difference in His world.
Father, I praise You and thank You for Your Word which remains alive and pertinent 2000 years after having been written. Continue to make Your Word come alive in our lives daily. Help us remember that when we are forgiven much, much will be expected.
