"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" Acts 9:15
Life is an intricate tapestry! Filling our lives with an ebb and flow of a seemingly divine purpose to a purpose unknown to us. One thing we do know is that we all have a universal purpose or calling which is to Love God with all our heart soul and mind! Matthew 22:37.
Individually though God's children are gifted in many different ways. We are a Chosen Vessel for Chosen Purposes. The Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul) and Ananias were such chosen vessels doing the work of God.
Acts 9:15 captures the intersection of two men on two paths. To provide context we must bring In the verses prior, for we see that Paul was on a different kind of mission.
"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem." Acts 9: 1-2
God called upon Ananias to carry out a mission to go to Saul.
"Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” Acts 9: 13-14.
Saul was well known for his treacherous actions against the followers of Jesus. In Acts 7 we see that Stephen a deacon in the new church was ordered by Saul to be stoned to death for his testimony. No one would willingly encounter Saul with a T-shirt that read Jesus Lover!
God answered Ananias, addressing his fears.
"But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen vessel to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel."
Then Ananias went!
This biblical narrative offers profound insights into our unique life journeys.
Being chosen doesn't exempt us from challenges but equips us with strength. Paul's life was marked by trials, yet his commitment exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one's purpose. Ananias was certainly a man of faith and obedience. God said Go and He went. (allow your mind to consider those around Ananias, his wife children and friends. His wife (a chosen vessel) certainly would have thought as he left the home this will be my last time with my husband but quickly would have prayed under her breath, I trust you Lord!
We are vessels uniquely crafted to navigate life, bearing the divine name with courage. Like Paul and Ananias our call transcends boundaries. We must embrace diversity. We must embrace fear. In doing so understanding, grace and courage become integral parts of our journey.
Our lives are a living testament to the enduring power of divine calling, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys with courage and faith.
Acts 9:15 reminds us that each of us is a chosen vessel with a unique calling. As chosen vessels, let us navigate life's intricate tapestry with grace, purpose, and the unwavering knowledge that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Do as Ananias did and just go!
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