Acts 9

Acts 9

        Have you ever noticed how people, ourselves included, sometimes think they are smarter than God?  This is evidence of our struggle with the idolatry of reason and self.  It often displays itself in rejection of Biblical accounts like Jonah, Noah’s Flood, or Jesus’ resurrection.  (Please note that I say the rejection of these, and not having questions about them.)  In Acts 9 this attitude is displayed by Ananias who seems to think he knows better than God who this Saul guy is.  “Lord, I have heard from many about this man!”  Translation:  “Lord, You’ve probably not heard because You’re so busy and all, but this Saul guy is bad news.  You’re better off if you just keep Your distance from him.” 

        God knows His business, however.  He knew His plans for Saul.  He called Saul through Ananias to make him His chosen instrument to carry the name of Jesus to many people.  Amazing! 

        I wonder how often we Christians write off people that God is calling.  How often do we become a stumbling block to others coming to believe in Jesus?  Alas for our foolish pride!  Thanks be to God for overcoming our evangelistic deficits and giving us His grace and forgiveness the same way he did with Ananias!

        I once saw a bumper sticker that said, “Lord, save me from your people!”  While it is a sad statement, we have to recognize that we, too, are sinners who offend others.  As Martin Luther said, we are all beggars at God’s door; no better or worse than the person next to us.  Our sin is every bit as scandalous, and our need for grace every bit as great. 

        Thank God that he sent an Ananias into our lives!  Whether it was your parents, grandparents, friend, neighbor, teacher, pastor, or even a helpful author, God delivered the Good News of His love and forgiveness; of the cross and empty tomb; so you could believe by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

        God is still at work out there and in you.  He draws people to Himself.  Look for what He is doing; you might be an Ananias, too. 

Lord, You work in this world to draw people to Yourself and rescue them, just like you did me.  Help me to see that, and use me to save someone so they may know your love in Jesus.  Amen.