fruits
of faithfulness
Ananias was a faithful disciple. On this occasion he heard from the Lord in
the form of a vision. It was an
experience in which he was able not only to receive information, but he was
able to respond with his own personal thoughts:
1.
“Here I am”
2.
“The
fact is, this guy has authority to bind all who call on Jesus”
3.
“I’ve heard from many about how he has harmed
your saints”
Can
you see yourself in these responses? Sometimes
we affirm that we belong to God and we want to do whatever He wants us to do, but we
have many reasons why we “shouldn’t”!
Apparently Ananias did not just lay out his objections, he also listened
for, and heard a response:
1.
“Go”
2.
“He
is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name to others”
3.
“He
will suffer greatly for My name’s sake”
The
Lord’s response speaks to, and elaborates on Ananias’ objections:
1.
If
you are truly here with Me, be
willing to go with Me.
2.
Man
has granted another man authority to bind people who call on the name of Jesus,
but I am giving this man authority to set people free in the name of Jesus
3.
He
has sown harm and suffering in His personal quest, and he will reap suffering
at the hands of those who act like he did.
Reading
between the lines, it seems there is a message, “Do not be one who opposes me
by opposing the people I choose to use.
There is already suffering. Your
job is to bring healing, encouragement, and strength in the power of the Holy
Spirit.”
Doing
certain things for the kingdom of God may seem a bit frightening, or at least
awkward. But if we consult with
Scripture and with God in prayer, we can trust the Holy Spirit to direct our
steps, even as He did with Ananias. Who
could have imagined the great fruit resulting from his faithfulness? What might result from ours?!
Read
and Pray: Joshua 24:21-24, Matthew
25:14-30, Psalm 139:17-18
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