“Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest… for letters to the synagogues, so that if he found any belonging to the Way.., he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ He said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do…’
“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias,.. Rise and… at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.’ Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.’ But the Lord said, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'” Acts 9:1-6,10-16
Ananias was stunned at the Lord’s command. ‘That Saul? The one bent on destroying Your people?’ The Lord explained that yes, he was the one in His sights to be a unique instrument. He knew all about him and what he’d done, and would use him mightily to influence people far and wide with the gospel that drastically saved him. Paul’s first-hand experience of God’s pursuing, potent grace empowered his message. His very transformation wrought wonder and amazement among otherwise complacent people, elucidating God’s intent and power to save. It fueled desire to know this same God who could deliver and remake. Paul’s passion for destruction turned to an equal zeal for good. (Acts 9:20-22, 28,31)
We, too, might be curious at some God chooses to minister for Him. We observe behavior and criticize in our hearts. Knowing past transgressions, character flaws, or personality quirks, we discount possibilities. We neglect grace that redeems. Beware smugness in thinking we’re more deserving or appropriate or qualified than another! Beware questioning God’s chosen instruments lest we diminish His grace and glory! He will always do what He knows is best, and work in ways that bring Him glory, including saving and using the most rotten and wicked of sinners.
To correct thinking and attitude, behold the Lord God himself, who looked on the masses with unquenchable love and came to the earth to save. A humble look at God and an honest look at ourselves guards us from casting aspersions on anyone else. God chooses with full knowledge and righteous intention. Who am I to disqualify another? Who am I to know better how He might develop or use someone? (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; 2 Samuel 7:18-24; John 15:16; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8–9)
When I’m tempted to question God’s choices, would I bow and thank Him for choosing me? Would I submit myself as a unique instrument in the Master’s hands? How will I seize His call to do my gospel part?
Lord, have Your full way with me and all your chosen to do You will, to Your glory alone.
As the rain and snow 