“Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, ‘Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way.’” (Acts 9:17)
Saul and his friends never got tired of telling the story of his conversion. Barnabas uses it to explain why the Christians no longer need to fear this man (Acts 9:26-29). Paul tells it to the Jews who want to arrest him (22:1-21) and to King Agrippa who met the apostle during his long imprisonment (26:1-23).
Why is this story so significant? Because it shows how deeply the resurrection of Jesus can change people’s lives. At the beginning of Chapter 9, Saul is breathing out threats, bent on capturing these heretics and bringing them to justice. By the end, he is docile and pensive, eager to put aside his old life, join a new community, and learn all he can about the Way he had been trying to eradicate.
The event is no less powerful for Ananias, an ordinary believer whom God asks to do a very bold thing. To identify himself as a Christian before Saul the Pharisee is to put his own life on the line. But God assures Ananias that Saul is no longer a murderer but rather God’s chosen instrument. Because he believes God, Ananias is able to address Saul as a brother and to heal his blindness.
How has Jesus’ resurrection changed you? Perhaps you were paralyzed by fear until you experienced his unconditional love for you. Perhaps you were burdened by anxieties until his hope lifted you up. Perhaps you were driven by selfish ambition until God set you free to give as generously as he does. Perhaps you couldn’t let go of a hurt until Jesus showed you the way to forgiveness.
Further, how might the Spirit of God want to change the way you see someone else? Maybe he will help you see someone you consider an enemy in a new light, as beloved of God, someone for whom he has planned great things. Maybe you are another “chosen instrument” to help that person to encounter the trans forming love of God. – WAU
“Jesus, I want to know you and the power of your resurrection. Let your love transform me and each person I encounter today.”
Saul and his friends never got tired of telling the story of his conversion. Barnabas uses it to explain why the Christians no longer need to fear this man (Acts 9:26-29). Paul tells it to the Jews who want to arrest him (22:1-21) and to King Agrippa who met the apostle during his long imprisonment (26:1-23).
Why is this story so significant? Because it shows how deeply the resurrection of Jesus can change people’s lives. At the beginning of Chapter 9, Saul is breathing out threats, bent on capturing these heretics and bringing them to justice. By the end, he is docile and pensive, eager to put aside his old life, join a new community, and learn all he can about the Way he had been trying to eradicate.
The event is no less powerful for Ananias, an ordinary believer whom God asks to do a very bold thing. To identify himself as a Christian before Saul the Pharisee is to put his own life on the line. But God assures Ananias that Saul is no longer a murderer but rather God’s chosen instrument. Because he believes God, Ananias is able to address Saul as a brother and to heal his blindness.
How has Jesus’ resurrection changed you? Perhaps you were paralyzed by fear until you experienced his unconditional love for you. Perhaps you were burdened by anxieties until his hope lifted you up. Perhaps you were driven by selfish ambition until God set you free to give as generously as he does. Perhaps you couldn’t let go of a hurt until Jesus showed you the way to forgiveness.
Further, how might the Spirit of God want to change the way you see someone else? Maybe he will help you see someone you consider an enemy in a new light, as beloved of God, someone for whom he has planned great things. Maybe you are another “chosen instrument” to help that person to encounter the trans forming love of God. – WAU
“Jesus, I want to know you and the power of your resurrection. Let your love transform me and each person I encounter today.”
–that in all things God may be glorified–
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