I had one of those Scripture revelation moments recently. As I sat reading the passage on Paul's conversion (Acts 9:1-19) I saw something in that familiar old story that hadn't caught my attention before. I love when that happens!
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
I've underlined the verses that gave me a jolt as I read them. Obedience. Ananias was obedient. Though afraid, maybe even wondering if God was sending him to be martyred, he went to see this Saul. The Saul who stood by while Stephen was stoned to death, The Saul who was out hunting Christians with ferocious fervor and zeal. This same Saul who was now blind after encountering the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias obeyed God, and the repercussions of that obedience have changed the world. One small act, one momentous impact. It was Ananias God used to open Saul's eyes, bring him to baptism and set Saul on the new road God had chosen for him.
One man's act of obedience helped bring about the salvation of millions upon millions throughout the ages. How many churches did Paul plant? How many men, women and children did he lead to Christ? And not just when he was alive, but through his Spirit breathed writings that make up much of the New Testament. How many of us have been encouraged, corrected, comforted, and directed through the words God gave him to write. All because one man obeyed God!!
What can our obedience accomplish? It may not be on the same scale as Ananias', but then again, it may! But even if one act of obedience on my part brings one person to the Savior, then it's worth it. The value of obedience to the Lord is unfathomable. Both in the world we can see and the world we cannot.
I wonder if Ananias thought his submission in this one thing was just a small (albeit most scary) act or if he had any idea the implications were to be so significant and far reaching. I'm kind of thinking he had no idea! I mean, if we knew one small act of obedience would have a colossal impact we would most likely obey quickly and enthusiastically. But if it's something we consider small and unimportant we are more quick to shrug it off due to inconvenience, discomfort or fear. Something to consider. We never really know what is small and what is huge....but then again, is there really any small acts of obedience when it comes to God's kingdom? I don't think so.
Lord, you are amazing. I love these God visits in Scripture! I thank You for new insights. I thank You for sharing Your heart with me and through me! What an awesome privilege. Help all of us to obey in all things. We struggle. You know that. Thank You for Your mercy and Your help.
Is there something you have been putting off submitting to God in? Don't be so quick to skim over well read Bible passages, there is always something new in God's Word!
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