Wednesday October 14, 2009 CHOSEN TO SUFFER
A disciple named Ananias lived in the city of Damascus. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" Ananias answered, "Yes, Lord." The Lord told him, "Get up! Go to Judas' house on Straight Street, and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He's praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias place his hands on him to restore his sight." Ananias replied, "Lord, I've heard a lot of people tell about the many evil things this man has done to your people in Jerusalem. Saul has come here to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to put anyone who calls on your name in prison." The Lord told Ananias, "Go! I've chosen this man to bring my name to nations, to kings, and to the people of Israel. I'll show him how much he has to suffer for the sake of my name." Ananias left and entered Judas' house. After he placed his hands on Saul, Ananias said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way to Damascus, sent me to you. He wants you to see again and to be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Then Saul stood up and was baptized. After he had something to eat, his strength came back to him. Acts 9:10-19 Can you imagine Ananias' surprise when Jesus appeared to him and gave him such profound instructions? Can you imagine questioning the Lord? Can you imagine being trusted with such an important message? Well, even though this man knew that Saul (Paul) was a murderer of Christian's - he obeyed and as a result you have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ. On the other hand, can you imagine Saul, sitting in the dark, seeing a stranger coming to you and laying hands on you and then it happening shortly thereafter? Some visions occur that quickly, but unfortunately, most take years. The important thing is that we obey quickly when we receive immediate instructions. Another important thing about today's scripture is that Jesus wanted Saul to know that he was chosen by God to take the Good News to all people and in so doing he would suffer much. We sometimes forget that don't we? This reminds me of Jesus' words that to whom much is given, much will be expected. Like the prostitute who washed Jesus' feet, Saul was forgiven much. Although he was forgiven, the work he was to do for the Lord would not be an easy road. People would not trust him and he would also be misunderstood. Sound familiar in your life? When I take the time to recognize just how much the Lord has forgiven me in light of scripture like today's, I can accept the circumstances of my life a little better. Several years ago Roger and I were on a local radio program sharing what the Lord had done in our lives. The host asked, "Sharon, why do you think the Lord entrusted you with such a profound gift?" Without even having to think I responded, "Because He knows I will not keep my mouth shut." I will never stop telling the wondrous story of what the Lord has done for me. I will not give up the vision He gave me, and I will do my best to obey Him instantly. Maybe He will lead me to another person, like Saul, who will make a dramatic difference in His world. Father, I praise You and thank You for Your Word which remains alive and pertinent 2000 years after having been written. Continue to make Your Word come alive in our lives daily. Help us remember that when we are forgiven much, much will be expected. O. Addison Gethers e-mail address [email protected] [email protected] twitter URL http//:twitter.com/OAddisonGethers Messenger contact window live/msn messenger: [email protected] aim: durangoadd64 skype: cowboys62 yahoo messenger: OADDISONGETHERS rs --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
