We all know our limits. Is there a limit to our obedience to our Lord? You may remember a famous rock and roll song from previous decades, “I would do anything for love. But I won’t do that.” What would we not do for the Lord?
When the Lord spoke to his disciple Ananias he told him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul of Tarsus. Perhaps as an encouragement, the Lord let Ananias know that Saul was praying. In fact, the Lord had mentioned Ananias by name to Saul. Specifically, Ananias would come and place hands on Saul and restore his sight. The Lord had committed Ananias. If Ananias did not go, God would have to find another Ananias.
One could excuse Ananias for reminding the Lord of Saul’s reputation. He had harmed the Lord’s people (Stephen and others) in Jerusalem. Ananias knew this mission could be dangerous. What if it were a trap? The Lord told him to go anyway. Whatever Saul had been, now he had become God’s chosen instrument to proclaim his name to the Gentiles, their kings and to Israel. In addition, the Lord would tell Saul how much he must suffer for Jesus’ name.
God transformed Saul from one who caused suffering to one who would experience suffering for the name of Jesus. Ananias was part of God’s plan to take the good news to all people. So are we. We are not Billy Graham preaching in stadiums. But the Lord chooses to use our obedience in small ways to accomplish his great works.
