The Unlikely One
THE ONE SHEEP
Key Verse:
"'But Lord,' exclaimed Ananias, 'I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!'" Acts 9:13 NLT
Revelation
Here we have one of my favorite stories in the Bible. This is the story of Ananias who is scared of Saul, the man who has been persecuting and killing Christians. Saul’s reputation precedes him as a dangerous and bad person, yet God tells Ananias to step out of his comfort zone to reach out to Saul and pray for him. At this point in the story, Saul had been struck blind, and the Bible tells us that he had “scales upon his eyes.” Ananias seeks him out, prays for him, and the scales fall off. The Bible teaches us that Ananias immediately baptized him.
I have often wondered what it would have been like if Ananias had not obeyed what God told him to do. Would someone else have stepped up to do it? Would we know Paul the apostle the way that we do now if Ananias had not been obedient? I am so grateful that Ananias left his comfort zone to leave the 99 and go after the one. I am certain that Ananias had no idea Paul would have such a massive impact on all of humanity and later write 13 books of the Bible.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to not judge people on their outward appearance, but to see them the way that You see them. Help me see potential where others see problems. Show me who You want to reach and help me to be brave and bold enough to reach out.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Questions
Whom have I judged prematurely?
What is God calling me to do that seems scary?
How can I love the unlovely today?
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