THE HIT LIST

Image result for CLIP ART OF A LISTWe read in Acts 9 of Saul of Tarsus "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" and find him moving into Damascus where there were many who belonged to "The Way". They were to be taken captive and travel back to Jerusalem. Miraculously, Saul is saved on this journey when he is confronted with the Lord Jesus.  Saul is blinded by the PRESENCE of Jesus and his entourage takes him to the home of Judas.   See him groping and trying to make his way in the home of Judas, feeling and stumbling.  Can you imagine the cacophony of emotions that are bombarding Saul? 

The Lord God has a plan....always and a purpose.  He touches the heart of Ananias and instructs him to go to Saul.  Ananias gives his logical disclaimer to God, as if HE, the Divine Knower may not have the info that Saul is in Damascus to arrest and take captive the saints and return them to Jerusalem, more than likely for a "religious trial".  Hear God's reply to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he much suffer for My name."   Ananias is obedient, maybe in fear and wonder, and finds Saul.  He ministers to Saul and Saul's eyes are opened, he is filled with the Spirit of God and is baptized.  Saul receives refreshment from Ananias and restoration and reconciliation to God.  
 
Saul immediately spends days with the disciples in Damascus and begins to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.  He is the talk of Damascus...why, isn't he the one who "raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?"  His preaching and testimony baffles the Jews.  Some of the response of the religious Jews:  SAUL MAKES THE HIT LIST TO BE MURDERED BY THE RELIGIOUS JEWS.   Like Jesus, he will remain on the hit list for the rest of his ministry, yet he will be an instrument of God that we Gentiles might hear the gospel and be saved. Thank You Lord God for the obedience and courage of Ananias who has not been applauded in Scripture  and who was willing to risk his life to minister to Saul.  Thank You for Saul, who is a model of the relationship with YOU and becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus beholding all things being made new.  I wonder....it is not who we were, but WHO are we becoming in Christ? Obedience is costly!  It was for Jesus and it will be for you and me! Forever learning.  In process.  #IHAVETHREESONS.


 
 

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