Monday, August 8, 2016
Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel."
GRACIOUS GOD
What a gracious Lord we have! When He came to Ananias in Damascus, He wanted him to go find Saul. But Ananias knew about this dangerous Saul, and He didn't hesitate to tell the Lord about it.
And here we have the Lord's answer. The very fact that Ananias was not afraid to speak from the heart to this Lord showed the friendly relationship he had with God, and the Lord's answer vindicated his trust.
"Go!" With that word, the Lord ended the conversation. But it was NOT: "Go, because I said so, and don't give me any of your lip!" No, it was a kindly explanation from heaven's King. As if to say: "Go, and remember who is sending you.
"Saul is not one whom you would choose to visit? He is my chosen instrument. I have plans for him that you have not even imagined.
"You know that he carries letters of authority from Jerusalem? He will carry my name before the whole world, Gentiles, Kings, and the Jews, too. Those letters of authority will crumble to dust, but at my name every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth, and in hell.
"You think there is danger of suffering at his hands? I will show him suffering on account of my name. And still he will consider it well worth it."
What a gracious God Ananias had! What a gracious God we have! As it was with Ananias, so it is with us. The things that frighten us do not frighten Him, and He promises to be with us always.
