To the Ends of the Earth: Devotions in Acts Part 2Sample

Day 5 | Acts 9:9-19 - Ananias and Saul

Ananias' obedience to God's call to minister to Saul is a powerful example of faith in action. Despite his fears and reservations, Ananias trusted God's plan and played a crucial role in Saul's transformation. This passage challenges us to step out in faith, even when it seems risky or uncomfortable. God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Ananias' willingness to obey God's command, despite knowing Saul's reputation as a persecutor, demonstrates remarkable courage and trust. By laying hands on Saul and calling him "brother," Ananias extended the hand of fellowship and acceptance, symbolising the unity and reconciliation found in Christ. Through Ananias' obedience, Saul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was baptised, marking the beginning of his new life in Christ.

This story reminds us that God often calls us to step out of our comfort zones and trust Him in the unknown. Our obedience can have a profound impact on others and further God's kingdom in ways we may not fully understand. Like Ananias, we are called to be vessels of God's grace and love, extending His invitation to those around us.

Ananias' encounter with Saul also highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being willing to act on His instructions. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be challenging to discern God's leading. However, as we cultivate a relationship with Him through prayer and Scripture, we become more attuned to His voice and more willing to respond in faith. Ananias' example encourages us to be attentive to God's leading and to trust that He will guide us in the right direction.

Big Idea

Ananias' obedience to God's call to minister to Saul exemplifies faith in action, highlighting the impact of stepping out in faith despite fear. This encounter underscores the importance of listening to God's voice and being willing to act on His instructions, as Ananias plays a crucial role in Saul's transformation and the furthering of God's kingdom.

Consider

Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you trust Him more fully in that situation? Consider how your obedience might impact others and further God's kingdom.

An Interesting Note

In first-century Judaism, the act of calling someone "brother" carried profound implications of kinship, acceptance, and shared identity within the covenant community. In the context of Gentile cities, where cultural and religious divisions were pronounced, extending such a term to a former enemy like Saul was a radical demonstration of the power of forgiveness and the unifying nature of the Gospel. This gesture signified a breaking down of barriers and an invitation into a new family defined not by ethnicity or past actions but by faith in Christ. It exemplified the early church's commitment to reconciliation and the transformative power of God's love, which transcends cultural boundaries and creates a new community of believers united in Christ.

This devotion is based on the Bible Streams Podcast series on Acts: To The Ends Of The Earth.