The Damascus Road
This is surely the most extraordinary conversion in all of scripture. While going to imprison followers of the Way Saul Finds himself visited by a vision of the Lord Jesus Himself.
What Jesus said to Saul was no less extraordinary. “Why do you persecute me?” Saul asked who was speaking and heard, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” In the letters Paul wrote we discover deep insights into what he calls “The Body of Christ.” It is interesting that Paul first received the revelation of the church as Christ’s Body at the same time he was converted. Surely he had not touched Christ Himself, or had he? Saul / Paul had not personally heard Jesus say, “Whatever you do unto one of the least of these, my brothers, you do to me.” Nevertheless, he understood those words plainly enough from personal experience.
Perhaps the most interesting character in this scene is Ananias. This ranks right up there with Noah hearing God say, “Build a BIG boat,” and Abraham hearing God say, “Sacrifice your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love,” and Moses hearing God say, “Tell Pharaoh to let my people go.” From our human perspective it is only natural to sometimes wonder, “Does God understand what He is saying.” Just remember that the answer is always, “Yes, He does.”
Ananias was praying when God told him to go to the house of Judas and ask for Saul from Tarsus. This command is so outrageous that we are right to enjoy a smile, and maybe even a chuckle, at Ananias’ expense. Once we have composed ourselves, however, we have to admire the courage of this simple believer. It sounds like certain death and yet, he goes.
By going Ananias is rewarded with the opportunity to say the words, “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.” Bam! Saul became Paul and the world would never be the same. As a born Gentile I am a continuing witness to the fruitfulness of that act of obedience. Does God know how to rock, or what?
1 comment:
Our God really rocks with Paul's conversion."He's The Rock that doesn't roll."
I was Wondering if perhaps this obedient Ananias was a Ananias Jr. who had learned a clear lesson from the loss of his dad.
Well, I think He, Paul and Gamaliel would make quite a political team.
Right after last Thursday's Ananias reading my mind went to what i remembered of Isiah 55:8 (then I even looked it up). It helped me to stop thinking of other head scratching stories.
On Mysterious Monday you brought that verse right out and yesterday my mind reached for this verse of the week it again.
Ever learning to Trust and Obey for our God knows a Higher Way.
Thanks Pastor
Good stuff ... all week
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