Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 8 | Day 1
Prayer
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Pause for a moment and reflect on these words: you are God’s handiwork. As you come to meet with Him this morning, thank God for His work in your life and ask for Him to continue to guide you in the work He has for you to do.
Bible Reading: Acts 9:10-19
Read these verses three times slowly.
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street 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 to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentilesand their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Reflection & Questions
Ananias can’t believe his ears. Saul is God’s chosen instrument?! The guy who has been persecuting believers, throwing them in jail and worse, is going to be spreading the gospel?! Unbelievable. But that is our God. He can, and often does, use the most unlikely person for His great purposes.
How often we are just like Ananias? Firstly, with God’s call on our own life. God places us in situations or gives us missions and we think, “Who am I to do this? I’m not qualified. I’m not worthy. I’m not _______ (you fill in the blank).” We’re our own Ananias’. And God says – “You are my chosen instrument…go!” Secondly, if we’re not careful, we are Ananias to others around us. “How could God use them? They aren’t qualified. They aren’t worthy. They are _____ (you fill in the blank).” But God uses them to spread His word – and it’s amazing. This is how our God works. He uses broken, unqualified people (because if you think about it, that’s all He’s got!). How awesome it is that He involves us. We’ve got to stop the ‘Ananias thoughts’ in our heads and listen for His Spirit’s perspective!
- Do you relate to Ananias’ questioning of God about Saul? Do you see that line of thinking in your own life?
- Have you disqualified yourself for the calling God has given you? What would Saul say to you?
Prayer
Talk to God about any disqualifying thoughts you wrestle in your own calling. Ask Him to give you His perspective.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
