Acts 9: 7-21
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
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. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“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.”
A Thought
God can reveal himself to a person and change their whole life. This was the case with his chosen one Saul. Saul had journeyed to Damascus with the authority to arrest all who call on the name of the Lord. After encountering Jesus, Saul was blinded and led into Damascus by his men to the house of Judas where he did not eat or drink for three days. Now God has revealed in a vision to Ananias telling him to go to Saul that he is expecting him to restore his sight. Sometimes the worst of sinners that repent can do the most good for the Kingdom of God.
Our Prayer
Father help us to have faith for even the worst of sinners to become your disciple. Thank you that all who repent can bring glory and honor to your name. Help us to see others with the same love and grace that you have for them. Help us to hear your voice and be willing to answer. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
