September 10 | Acts 9:10-19
DAILY READING
Send Me!
By Judy Webb
Have you ever felt God calling you to do something outside your comfort zone, something downright fear-inducing? Imagine Ananias, a believer who, while praying in the early morning, heard the Lord speak to him.
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.” (Acts 9:10-12 NLT)
Verse 10 clarifies which Ananias this is: not the man married to Sapphira who was deceptive about finances to Peter and others in the early church (found in Acts 5), nor the High Priest (found in Acts 23:2 and 24:1) who was part of a tribunal that prosecuted Paul during his trials in Jerusalem and Caesarea.
This Ananias, disciple of Jesus, was a servant and devoted believer when believing was dangerous. When he heard this call from God, he hesitated and inquired of God, 13 “But Lord, 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.” (Acts 9:13-14 NLT)
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 (v15). That simple command, “Go,” changed the course of history for the church. Ananias’ obedience sealed the deal. Saul was chosen by God to change (history), chosen to share (Jesus), chosen to spread the truth. Ananias obeyed and thus Paul sacrificed for the Good News and told all who would listen.
I often wonder how I would respond if given an assignment such as this. Would God ask me to do something dangerous, something outside my comfort zone. Yes, Scripture is filled with projects like this for us to take on. How about the Great Commission? There are many practical and spiritual challenges we are given. The teachings of Jesus are rich with opportunities to -- love others, forgiving those who hurt us, pray continually, wait patiently—just to name a few.
So, let’s read and study the Word and we will know what to do. Go in the direction God is pointing. “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Has God given the command to ‘Go’? Well what are we waiting for?
PRAYER
Father, give us eyes to see and ears to hear you when you call us to GO! Then give us the courage and discernment to step out and step up in Your name. Again, the words of Isaiah, "Here I am, send me." Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for almost 20 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
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