Do miracles cause salvations?

And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:34-35

After details about Saul’s conversion (his name had not yet been changed to Paul), Luke shifts back to how the Lord was using Peter. We know nothing about Peter’s travels except in v.32, in which Peter landed in Lydda. Saul’s travels were much broader than Peter’s, who remained in Israel. Lydda was west of Jerusalem, near but not on the Mediterranean coast. Apparently there was a church in Lydda (v.32), though we don’t know who planted the church there.

Peter encountered a paralyzed man names Aeneas. We do not know if the man was a believer or not, but God graciously, through Peter, healed the man of his paralysis. It is important to note that Peter did not heal the man. Jesus did—as evidenced by Peter’s words: “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you.” This a valuable reminder that those who present themselves as healers are at best frauds, and at worst usurpers of the power and authority that belongs only to the Lord Jesus!

Luke accurately reports that, “all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.” What should we make of this? Some believe that miracles axiomatically result in people being saved as a result of miraculous healings. But is that so? Not at all. There were many more in the New Testament who were healed “healed” than ended up believing and being converted.

God can and does graciously heal people, but healing does not always result in salvations, as evidenced by the fact that some (many) of those God heals, do not end up believing.

• We must be discerning about miracle healings, who actually does the healing, and who gets the glory.

• We must not think, if only a lost person and infirmed person were healed physically, he would also be saved spiritually, because the Bible does not support that conclusion.

Let us be grateful for God’s kind providence in healing, but let us long more for spiritual salvation.

I pray this verse for Grace Bible Church

Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31

This verse became a memory verse for me many years ago. As a Christian, I pray this verse for Christ’s Church. As a pastor, I pray this verse for Grace Bible Church.

Lord, grant Your church peace. Our world is so filled with strive, envy, discouragement, and hatred. Deliver us from these evils I pray, and may we instead enjoy the peace that comes only from knowing, loving, and walking closely with Jesus.

Grant that we may be edified. O Lord, may we be built up (for that is what edification means) in our knowledge, faith, and love for our Savior, and for each other in Him. Do not let us settle into complacency, or plateau in our spiritual growth.

May we walk in the fear of You, Lord. I thank You Lord that we need not fear Your wrath, because Jesus has already received it all on Himself in our place. But may we not be too casual with You, or even in our thoughts and words about You. Rather, may our lives be marked by a holy reverence, not only in Your presence, but in every thought of You.

May we walk in Your comfort, Holy Spirit. Though there is much in this world and in our lives that would disquiet our souls, may we find comfort and joy in You—in knowing that You love us, that Your Son died and rose for us, and that we are filled and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

And may we grow in number. We do not ask for this growth so our church can appear bigger for the sake of our renown. But may we see more people—many more people, coming to faith in Your Son, Jesus, and growing in Your grace—for Your glory.

Amen.

And they call us “haters”

So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Acts 9:28-30

Three observations:

Paul spoke boldly in the name of the Lord. The best way to verify that conversion is for real is to be outspoken an favor of Christ and the gospel. In Saul’s case, he literally preached. But even if one is not an open air preacher, our lives must preach Christ as well. This lends credence to the validity of our profession—not only to others, but to ourselves, resulting in assurance of salvation.

But they attempted to kill him. Because Saul was so adept at arguing convincingly for Christ and the gospel, and exposing the folly of opposing viewpoints, they sought to kill him! This is a typical reaction of those who cannot defend their positions. They may not literally try to kill us, but they will resort to character assassination. Isn’t that what Christ’s opponents in the world do in our day? If we make a point, and they have no legitimate response, they call us “haters,” (racists, sexists, homophobes, or any of the other baseless accusations commonly hurled at people with whom the world disagrees).

They brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. Again, the first response to physical persecution is to try to avoid it. Saul again “escaped” to safer pastures. But he did not stop preaching Christ and the Gospel!

I must be a ready defender of the brethren

And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

We mentioned in an earlier post that the believers in Damascus were reticent to accept Saul as a believer. We mentioned that while caution may be wise, we should seek to give new believers, regardless of their past, the benefit of the doubt. Trust, but verify!

Saul was met with the same skepticism in Jerusalem. And it is understandable. After all, Saul was a chief persecutor of Christians. Praise God for Barnabas. Barnabas took a chance, stood by Saul, and vouched for him. That was not only a noble position to take, it must have also been a great comfort to Saul. Saul and Barnabas became fast friends and ministry partners in the first great missionary enterprise of the Church (Acts 13-14).

In a more general application, I am convicted that I must seek to be an advocate for believers who might not be so readily accepted. This does not mean, of course, defending false teachers, people living in obvious sin, or those whose profession of faith is truly suspect. What it does mean is that I must be a ready defender of the brethren—even as I would want to be defended by my brethren—whether they are being attacked by believers or unbelievers.

Preparing for persecution

Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Acts 9:23-25

Not everyone is called to be a martyr. In fact, we are not heroes for being persecuted if we can avoid it, as long as we are not denying Christ to do so. When the Christ haters wanted to kill Saul, he wisely left town. And note that the believers in Damascus agreed with this move and assisted in his escape.

Jesus warned us that if/when we and the gospel are being rejected, we are wise to move on (Matthew 10:14).

We know, of course, that Saul did end up being martyred. So in his case, though he was not to be murdered in Damascus, he was called to serve the Lord by means of martyrdom. The call came at another time.

Though favorable views of Christianity are in obvious decline in America, believers are not facing much in the way of physical persecution, much less, martyrdom just yet. That could well change if current anti-Christian trends continue. So while we can be thankful that we are not called to such hostility now, let us be prepared spiritually. It may well come at another time.

A Footnote: An important way to prepare for persecution before it happens is to be aware of, and pray for, our persecuted brothers and sisters who suffer gravely even now.

How to get better at evangelism

Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Acts 9:21-22

The devil (coupled with our natural fear of what people think of us) has convinced many believers that “we do not have the gift of evangelism,” so we needn’t concern ourselves with the Great Commission. Not so. Whether we have the “gift” of evangelism or not, we are all called to share Christ and the gospel by talking about Jesus. It may seem awkward, and even a little scary at first, but note how “Saul increased all the more in strength” in his talking about Jesus. Why is that?

“Practice makes perfect.” OK, none of us will be perfect at talking about Jesus, but the more we do it, the more comfortable we will become. We can ask the Lord to show us what we may have not said well, and how we might say it better next time. The more we try, the better we will become at representing Jesus.

“Rejection creates resilience.” OK, I made that up, but it is true. When I was a door-to-door Fuller Brush salesman (and I am not making that up!), I decided that each time a person “rejected” my sales pitch (even when the rejection was done in a discourteous manner), I would be thankful. Huh? I walked away from that door that was just slammed, grateful that I didn’t waste time with someone who wasn’t going to buy, so I could get to the next house that maybe would buy.

The same is true when talking about Jesus. Of course we are not thankful that another person has rejected Christ, but after breathing a brief prayer that the Lord will change their hearts, we are free to talk to the next person who maybe will receive Him. That perspective helps us become more comfortable talking about Jesus

A Footnote: Let us be reminded that when people reject talk about Jesus, they are not rejecting us, they are rejecting Him. (1 Samuel 8:7)

Our initial mission field is naturally those we know and love

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

Saul went first to the Jewish synagogues to preach Christ. Why?

• Because he was Jewish and the people and the place were familiar territory.

• Because Jesus came first to the Jews. (John 1:11)

• Because the Jewish people would seem to be the most receptive to Christ and the gospel because Jesus was the Jewish Messiah and the King of the Jews. (The first believers were nearly all Jewish, though in short order, they were also the first persecutors of Christians.)

Are there any lessons in this for Gentile Christians?:

First, our initial mission field is naturally those we know and love. This doesn’t guarantee that they will receive Christ, but because they care about us, they are likely to be willing to hear us out—at least at first. Sadly, once hearing that we are Christians, our family and friends, sometimes (often?) reject Christ and do not want to hear it any more. That just means we need to live and love in Christlike ways so that we may earn another hearing at another time. And don’t stop praying for them!

Second, there is nothing wrong with targeting our evangelistic efforts at those who appear to be open. Those who are “religious Christians,” though not saved, are a prime mission field. After praying for the right words, share the gospel with those who know “about” Jesus, but may not know Him.

Of course our Christian witness for Christ and the gospel doesn’t end with people we know or those who may be open. As Jesus said in Mark 16:15, we are to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”

“I really don’t know the answer to that question, but I do know this…”

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

Note that Saul began preaching Jesus “immediately.” How much did he know at that point? Not much!

So we need to talk about Jesus and we want to talk about Jesus. Let’s say we are ready to set our fear of what others may think of us aside so that we are determined to talk about Jesus. What if people ask us questions or pose objections that we cannot answer? What then?

This is simple! Do not worry about what you do not know. Simply tell what you do know. Believe me, few if any receive Christ because a believer gave great answers to tough questions! More believers have come to faith in Christ through “less than polished” presentations of Christ. Why? Because salvation is “of the Lord” and He can save people even if we are neither knowledgeable or articulate!

Don’t get me wrong. We should want to give good answers and learn as much as we can so that we are able. But rest, dear Christian, people’s salvation is not dependent on our knowledge or communication skills. It is much more dependent on our willingness to “talk” about Jesus, through which the Lord will save His people.

It is perfectly OK to say, “I really don’t know the answer to that question, but I do know this…”
and then tell the simple Gospel, leaving the results to the Holy Spirit.

How to talk about Jesus

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

Talking about Jesus is what believers are called to do. It is how others join us in faith in Christ. We tend to fear people’s opinions of us more than we fear God, or that our unbelieving family and friends are headed to destruction without Him. We must get this: Let us love God and those who are lost, more than we love our personal happiness.

But how do we talk about Jesus? Though we are called to preach Christ by simply talking about Him, we need not, nor should we be “preachy.” Rather, we need simply to “talk about Jesus.” As others freely talk about what is important in their lives (family, news, weather, sports, hobbies, etc.) let us speak as easily about what means the most to us. And if we are Christians, that should be Him!

Talk about Jesus by speaking about church activities, or interesting things about life you have learned from the Bible. When people tell you their troubles, offer to pray for them. Be bold and ask, “Can I pray for you right now?” And then pray a short prayer. This communicates not only the importance of Christ and prayer—but also that you care!

Talk about Jesus and pray that it opens doors for more detail, especially if/when people ask questions.

And consider this: Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” This reminds us that we need to talk and live in such a manner that people will ask. Let us talk and live that we may prompt questions, and let us be prepared to “preach” Christ..

One last thing, next time…

We fear people more than we love God

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

As we saw last time, all believers are called to “talk about” Jesus. We are not all preachers, in the formal sense, but if the Lord has saved us, we ought to want to talk about Him. And since others come to faith in Christ when the Holy Spirit regenerates us as we hear Christ and the gospel “talked about,” we ought to want to talk about Him, shouldn’t we? So why is it so hard for many of us to talk about Jesus to non-believers?

We fear people more than we love God. That’s a pretty tough statement, but it is true. We are afraid that people will think we are weird and that we may be rejected. It is not really even a fear that they will reject Christ, mind you. It is a fear that they will reject us!

What is the remedy for this fear? Love God more than we love ourselves than we fear being rejected by people. The only way to accomplish this is to fall more deeply in love with Christ so that His approval and the proclamation of His name means more to us, than the fear that people may dislike us. The simple way to do that, is to immerse ourselves in the Word of God—particularly passages that remind us of (1) how wonderful Christ, the Gospel and salvation are; (2) how horrible it is for the people we know, who do not know Christ, to suffer the eternal wrath of God.

If the only gospel we know is that God wants us to be happy (which is not the gospel!), and if our idea of happiness is for people to like us, and if talking about Jesus may result in a lack of happiness—we will never talk about Christ to non-believers.

So let us be reminded that those who deny Christ (even by tacit silence) will be denied by Him. And also that the lost are truly lost and headed for damnation. And let us talk about Jesus. How? Next time…

All believers are called to “talk about” Jesus

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Acts 9:20

God has ordained preaching as the means through which he communicates the Gospel to people He will save.

1 Corinthians 1:21-23 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified…

Granted, preaching by itself saves no one. The Holy Spirit saves people by “regenerating” them. But He does that as they hear the Word of God preached.

Sadly, any who are not “preachers” in the formal sense think this has nothing to do with them. Not so! “Preaching” the Gospel is the task of all believers. That doesn’t mean all believers are called to prepare sermons to be preached from a pulpit to an assembly of people. The preaching we are all called to simply means “proclaim,” or even more simply, “speak.”

All we who have been saved by God’s grace, received through faith in Christ Jesus, are called to “talk about Jesus.” This “talking” about Jesus is not only the task of all believers, it ought to be the privilege and joy of all believers. Why?

1. If we are saved, we should want to talk about the One who loves us so.

2. If we are saved we should want our unbelieving family and friends (as well as anyone else with whom we come in contact with) to know the Lord as well—shouldn’t we?

So why do we find it so difficult to “talk abut Jesus? Next time…

It’s in the Bible!

So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Acts 9:19

The “me and Jesus” religion is not biblical Christianity. Of course each Christian comes to faith individually, but once we are saved, we are members of the body of Christ. As soon as Saul was saved, he spent time with other disciples at Damascus (where he was saved).

Damascus was not Saul’s home, so he did not remain there as a member of the church in Damasucs. When he settled in Antioch, he was a member of the church there (Acts 13:1). He served in that church (Acts 13:1). He was sent out as a missionary from that church (Acts 13:2). And he remained accountable to that church even as a missionary (Acts 14:26-28).

Let every believer be connected with, a member of, serve in, and be accountable to a local church. It’s in the Bible!

A Footnote: If Grace Bible is your church, are you a serving member? If so, great! If not, let’s get together to explore membership and service.

Let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ

Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9:18

When Saul was converted he was baptized.

Baptism is a sacrament (as is the Lord’s Supper) for those who are converted. The sacraments save no one, but everyone who is saved is to receive both sacraments—first baptism, and then the Lord’s Supper.

Baptism is an initiatory sacrament. This means it is to be administered as soon after conversion as it is clear that the conversion is genuine. And remember that is based primarily on a profession of faith, not on total sanctification!

Baptism is not an option. It is a command.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19)

Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins… (Acts 2:38)

If you are a believer and have not been baptized, let’s talk about scheduling your baptism!

Once we are saved, we can “see” like never before

Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Acts 9:18

When Saul was converted on the road to Damascus, his encounter with Jesus blinded him. Obviously that does not happen to everyone who is converted. Saul’s experience was unique in that sense. It is illustrative of the fact that (a) all who are lost are spiritually blind before conversion, and (b) once we are saved, we can “see” (understand) like never before. The new sight (understanding) of the converted has nothing to do with our physical eyes, but with the spiritual eyes.

This newly granted spiritual sight is not 20/20 instantly. Rather, it is progressive. The one thing the newly converted sees (understands) is that Jesus has forgiven his or her sins. This must not be overlooked. If a person merely has an emotional religious experience with no thought of Jesus forgiving his or her sins, that is not conversion. Too many “accept Jesus into their hearts” (whatever that means) in hopes that their earthly difficulties will be swept away. Again, that is not conversion. Jesus came (Matthew 1:21), not to deliver us from our earthly troubles, but to “save His people from their sins.” The truly converted know that the amazing grace of God makes sinners into saints.

From that starting point, believers grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). This growth enables us to see more and more clearly, not only understanding the Bible, but also all of life in this world through new lenses of spiritual discernment.

A Footnote: Let us be eager to progressively see more clearly as we grow in grace. And let us be patient with those who are newer to the faith and do not see everything as we, who have been granted more clarity, are blessed to see.

There is no probationary period for salvation

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:17

Upon being reassured that it was indeed God’s plan to save and use Saul, Ananias obediently did as he was instructed. Note how he addressed Saul in (v.17) He called him “Brother Saul.” I imagine that felt strange. After all, in vv.13-14, Ananias was fully aware of Saul’s vicious persecution of the “brethren.” Yet when God saves a person—even a notoriously bad person, that person is now a brother or sister in Christ.

There are two somewhat opposite positions we should take when a person is newly converted. First, we should rejoice, giving the benefit of the doubt that the person is truly converted. There is no probationary period in which one who professes faith is a second class citizen in God’s kingdom until proven true.

Second, though we receive a person as a brother or sister with open arms, based on a profession of faith, it is true that full assurance grows as we see the fruit of conversion in a changed life. We embrace, and we watch. But we watch, not skeptically, but with anticipation that conversion will be demonstrated.

There is a static tension here because though only God knows the heart, we are encouraged by the fruit of a changed life.

Planning for a Merry Christmas and a HOLY Holiday this year!

[Paul exhorted] them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22

The context of this verse is about Paul reminding the churches he planted to “continue in the faith,” especially in light of the fact that following Christ is certainly not always easy. Applying this verse to we at GBC, here and now, may I exhort all of us (and I include myself) to “continue in the faith” even in these trying times. Circumstances beyond our control have disrupted “church as usual” by the virus—since March! We continue to experience anything but reassuring news about the politics and morality of our declining society.

Hey! Jesus is Lord! If we are “in Him,” our sins (every last one of them) are forgiven (completely and forever)!

May we all maintain our focus on these gospel truths in spite of the fact that, as Paul put it, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

May I fine tune the focus even more as we enter the Advent Season, the four weeks leading up to our celebration of Christmas? Sure, there are disruptions to our usual ways of celebrating Christmas. But nevertheless, our Savior was born in Bethlehem, so that He could live, die and rise to “save His people from our sins!” So let’s all do whatever we can to celebrate Christmas with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength this year. May I suggest that we all double down to have Advent devotions as many days as we possibly can, beginning Sunday 11/29 through Christmas Morning 12/25? (If you do not have an Advent book, Click Here to read/download the one we’re using in our home.)

And as a church family, worship the Lord and enjoy fellowship with the body of Christ as often as, and in whatever ways, you are able. In addition to the Sunday morning worship services, we plan to hold our traditional “Christmas Eve Service” on Sunday Evening, December 20 at 5:00 PM. I hope you will schedule the time to participate in whatever way you are able.

Let us enjoy a Merry Christmas and a HOLY Holiday this year!

Marching in Jesus's Thanksgiving Parade

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
2 Corinthians 2:14 

The first word is “But” (ESV). Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in difficult days as he experienced great opposition from critics and false teachers. “But,” in spite of adverse circumstances, “thanks be to God.”  Giving thanks (instead of grumbling, or coveting), is always good!

To Whom is thanks to be given? Not to the things we are thankful for, or to “goodness.” but to God!? Why? Because He controls all things.  Everything comes from Him, including both kind & hard Providences—even when we do not understand!

Paul continues: “who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”  Many believe in a generic god.  But there is only one true and living God—all others are false gods, invented in the imaginations of human beings.

The true and living God is the God of the Bible who has a Son who leads us in triumphal procession.  Victorious Roman generals came home to victory parades.  Jesus has won the ultimate victory (over sin, death, & Hell). Jesus leads the parade, and we who are “in Him” follow Him in the parade  because we are victorious with Him!  We must refuse to live in defeat, no matter what!  The victory is sure, real, finished, and irreversible!

And as we live in His victory, we spread the fragrance of Christ and the gospel to others, that they might also trust in Him, experiencing His victory as well!

There are no shortages of difficulties in this life “under the sun,” but “in Him” we live in the perspective of “under Heaven,” and are more that conquerors in Him.

Have you trusted Him? Whose parade are you marching in?  His or the world’s? Trust Him, know Him, follow Him—and be thankful!

“WHAT! Saul of Tarsus?"

Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
Acts 9:13-16

Last time we imagined how incredible it must have been for Ananias to live out his days knowing that he was given the privilege to pray for Saul after his conversion, resulting in the reversal of his blindness. But turn back the hands of the clock. What must it have been like for Ananias when he initially received the Lord’s call to go meet and pray for the evil Saul of Tarsus? We do not have to wonder! Scripture tells us.

Ananias was aware that Saul was on his way to persecute the Church—including Ananias! Did Ananias immediately begin praising the Lord? Not a chance! Ananias questioned the Lord’s instructions.

Paraphrasing: “WHAT! Saul of Tarsus? Don’t You know that that evil man is coming to persecute your people?”

I do not believe Ananias’s question was intended as a challenge to God (which is not good). Rather, I think it was the honest response of a real person in real life anticipating real danger (which is not bad).

It is not bad to ask God questions as long as they are not rebellious challenges leveled against Him. For instance, it is perfectly reasonable when overtaken by a difficulty to ask: “Lord I do not understand Your intentions regarding this difficulty. I trust You, but please help me understand and teach me what you want me to learn.” What we do not want to do is question God as though He is wrong and we are in a position to demand answers.

Though God owed Ananias no explanation, He reassured Ananias that he had not misunderstood the instructions and it was indeed God’s plan for him to pay a visit to Saul. God never owes any of us explanations either. But when we ask appropriately, sometimes He will let us in on His purposes. And if not? It is time once again to trust the Lord. In His time, His plan and purpose will be understood—even if it is much later, or even in glory.

God can and does use otherwise unremarkable people

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." So 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. And 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."
Acts 9:10-12

Can you imaging being Ananias, knowing that the Lord called you to be the person who would pray for Saul of Tarsus, leading to the restoration of his sight—and the beginning of Saul becoming the Apostle Paul?

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !

Why did the Lord choose this otherwise unknown follower of Jesus to be the first to minister to Saul of Tarsus? We do not know.

Let’s not miss, however, the fact that God can and does use otherwise unremarkable people to do important things in His kingdom—including to have a part in calling others to accomplish great things in His Kingdom.

You and I may be relatively obscure but if we are available and willing, God may use us. Are you a parent or a grandparent? Pray for, and minister the Lord to your children and grandchildren. He may use you to lead them to faith. He may be pleased to use them in ways much greater than the ways He has used you!

The next time you receive a spiritual nudge to speak to someone about the Lord—don’t just think about it. Do it. You never know if you will be the one God uses to call a person to Himself.

In fact let’s not wait idly for “visions.” Let’s pray to be used to point people to Christ, and that He would be pleased to use those people in His kingdom!

Why? I do not know.

Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." So 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. And 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." Acts 9:8-12

Why did God add this wrinkle into Paul’s conversion experience? I do not know. God certainly could have opened Paul’s blinded eyes without involving Ananias, but God did involve him. Again, I cannot say I know why, but I’ll share a little of what I pray is sanctified speculation.

Maybe it was a way to get the new and fledgling Church to know from Ananias’ firsthand testimony that Saul’s conversion was legitimate.

Maybe it was a way to introduce Saul to the Church he had been persecuting—under different and better circumstances.

Maybe it was a way to humble Saul, having to depend on those he previously persecuted.

Maybe it was one of these, two of these all of these, or none of these. But it was God’s plan and therefore it was good and right—for them, and for we who read of it these many years later!