Verse of the Day 12/5

Verse of the Day 12/5

Acts 9:15. Holman Christian Standard Bible

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites.

Our men's Monday Bible study has been going through the book of Romans, arguably the Apostle Paul's greatest work. This passage from the book of Acts, written by "Doctor Luke", goes back to his conversion and it starts with God's call upon Ananias to approach Saul about God's plan for Saul.  It took a lot of courage on Ananias' part to face this man who had been persecuting the church.  The timetable for the writing is uncertain, but there is no doubt that he confirms God's call upon Paul.  There is no indication that Ananias preached any sermons, performed any miracles, or wrote an epistle, he comes and departs from the scriptures but his part in God's plan is pivotal.

You may not feel like you are called to be a great evangelist, preacher or teacher.  But what will you do with what God has called you to do?  Be faithful in that and you never know what God will do with it.  When any of us study a book written by Paul (approximately 2/3 of the New Testament) we should thank God for the obedience of Ananias to answer His call.

The NKJV Apply the Word Study Bible notes, "This account of Ananias invites us to ask who God might want us to approach with the message of His grace. It challenges us to search out people we consider least likely to respond to Christ. Maybe they too simply need us to reach out in faith and obedience." 

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Acts 9:10-19

Holman Christian Standard Bible

10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

"Here I am, Lord!" he said.

11 "Get up and go to the street called Straight," the Lord said to him, "to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision[a]

he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight."

13 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name."

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!"

17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.