Vic Pentz once told an amazing story about a jacket he bought at Nordstroms. It was the wrong color and collected lent. Vic wore it even though he didn’t like it. Then he remembered Norstrom’s famous return policy and took it back, expecting them to turn him away. But when he explained his dislike, the salesman asked, “Why did you wait so long?” He exchanged it for a brand new, more expensive jacket at no cost to Pentz. The store went even beyond their promise.
What have we promised God? Will we fulfil our promises? Ananias obeyed the Lord, going to Judas’s house on Straight Street. Luke’s description shows us incremental obedience. Not only did Ananias go to the house where Saul, his nemesis was praying and fasting, but he actually went in the house. Once inside, he laid hands on Saul and called him brother. Remember the Lord had told Ananias he would lay hands on him. But Ananias went beyond mere obedience. He called Saul brother.
In the movie Les Miserables, we hear Jean Valjean reflect in song on the forgiveness extended to him by the priest. Not only did the priest give testimony to the Gendarmes to set Valjean free, but he called him brother. Who would be surprised to hear us call them brother or sister? Surprise them.
Ananias brought good gifts as he said, “Jesus sent me so that you might see and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Saul’s sight was restored. He was baptized and then ate to regain his strength. Why did Ananias go above and beyond even what God had asked him to do? Because when God saved Ananias and us, he did more than we could have asked or even imagined. Our God is an “above and beyond” kind of God. We get to be his “above and beyond” kind of disciples.
If Luke were to continue the story of Acts today, could he say, “In Houston, there were disciples . . .” and listed our names? Let’s do everything God asks from us and more. Watch him work!
