Paul's Call to Service

Christian Commitment
in Today's World


Acts 9:10-16 (The Message)
 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.”
 ¹³ “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “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.”
 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. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

For Reflection
Saul was certainly no friend of these new Christians.  Saul's reputation preceeded him.  With out regard to his previous life (or perhaps because of it) Saul's God chose him for transformative redemption.  I wonder at the onset of his ministry, Paul realized the amount of suffering he would have to endure.

When was your last trip to Straight Street? How have you responded to God's call?

Pray for those who respond to Gods' call for service.  Give thanksgiving for those who heed his call.  Pray that you will respond as Saul and Ananias and go forth immediately as God instrument of grace.