“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas … 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.’”
Acts 9:11-12
Ananias couldn’t help protesting the Lord’s instructions to him. “‘Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing ….’ But the Master said, ‘Don’t argue; go!’” (Acts 9:13, The Message) Saul of Tarsus had been a driving force in the persecution of Jesus’ followers. Now God was asking faithful Ananias to talk to Saul, this so-called “chosen instrument” with a track record of torturing people like Ananias. The last thing he wanted was a one-on-one meeting with him!
Many years ago I felt like Ananias when I received a call from the Naha Prison warden on Okinawa. He asked me to visit an American prisoner, a convicted murderer. Lord, I thought, are you serious? The warden told me the man had changed. “He’s listened to your radio programs, and he’s asking for communion,” he said.
Several weeks later in his cold cell, I served this new believer a holy meal and prayed with him. Thank God for the far-reaching impact of his faith shared one-on-one with other prisoners.
Many years ago I felt like Ananias when I received a call from the Naha Prison warden on Okinawa. He asked me to visit an American prisoner, a convicted murderer. Lord, I thought, are you serious? The warden told me the man had changed. “He’s listened to your radio programs, and he’s asking for communion,” he said.
Several weeks later in his cold cell, I served this new believer a holy meal and prayed with him. Thank God for the far-reaching impact of his faith shared one-on-one with other prisoners.
Scripture Focus
Acts 9:10-25
Insight
Never under-estimate the working of God in a life as seen in the testimony of Saul. He’ll use us, no matter what our track record.
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 49-50
- Psalm 126
- 2 Corinthians 6-7
