Accepted by God, then accepted by us too

"Then Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."  Acts 9:13-15 NKJV 

Saul had been a great persecutor of the Christian church and had held Stephen's clothing, while he was being stoned. He was a strong Pharisee and would stop at nothing to block the way of Jesus Christ. But he met his match on the Damascus Road that day (Acts 9:3-6). He was struck blind and directed by Jesus to go into the city to meet with a man called Ananias. God spoke with him and told him that Saul would be visiting him: “Ananias.”And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”11So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.  12And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”13Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.  14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

Now Ananias was reluctant - wouldn't you have been? But he obeyed God and he laid hands on Saul and his eyes were opened and he was baptised. Word went out about this and when Saul tried to join the disciples; they were all very wary of him; disbelieving him as if he had another motive.

Put yourself into this situation. For a moment, watch Saul persecuting and having people killed for their faith. These are people that you know, you grew up together, and this man is hurting them. You've already seen what he had done to Stephen - your friend, who will be next? Now you notice Ananias walking up the street called Straight. He walks into Judas' house. Word has it that Saul is in there and Ananias is healing him. What??? The next thing is, Saul wants to join up with the disciples. You are not having that, this man is not one of ours. But the thing is, Jesus tells you that Saul is your brother, he now belongs to Jesus and is a fellow believer - one of the team. 

This must have been how the early Christians would have felt about Saul, who was soon to be known as Paul. The twelve struggled, just like you would have done. You struggle when someone 'suspicious' comes into the church and takes up a leading position. 'Who is this?' You declare. Jesus says, 'this is going to be your new pastor, accept him like I accepted you.'

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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