Day 55 of 60
November 11, 2023 • Pastor Donald Johnston • Acts 9:17
Acts 9:17
“And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” (NKJV)
“So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, ‘Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” (MSG)
I can imagine how very hard and almost unimaginable it was for Ananias when Yahshua told him to go lay hands on Saul, bring healing so his sight returns and that Holy Spirit would fill Saul for what would be ahead of him. This is the man who had been extremely passionate about the Law of Moses and Jewish religion, so very “committed” that he was killing or at the very least arresting those who professed Christ. And he was doing the “for” God. No one had the authority to stop him or his judgment. But now, Ananias was being sent to this great enemy of the Truth. Why? How could he go? Surely, the Lord made a mistake! But no, there’s a great purpose ahead for Saul, greater than anything he had ever known. So, Ananias obeyed.
During this season we are focusing on the influence of the Kingdom through us changing this region. Since the Kingdom comes through the hearts of people, are we expecting those who oppose the Kingdom the most to suddenly seek what we have freely received? Are we expecting anyone who is outspoken and passionately opposed to the operation of Holy Spirit and establishment of Kingdom to suddenly be silenced until Yahshua sends us to them? Well, Ananias was surely not expecting that of Saul. And then he had to heal, teach and help Saul. It’s easy to say, “Yes! I’m ready and expecting. I’m ready to be sent to them.” But these people will “feel like” our greatest enemies. They have likely hurt us or someone we know.
When we consider the Heartland Assembly next Friday, may we go with expectations beyond “making things better” for ourselves or those joined to us. May we go at the Voice and direction of Yahshua as He sends us to those whose hearts He has prepared. Since He is sending us and giving us a Word, their past, actions, words no longer matter. We are sent to those who are our brothers and sisters who are in relationship with Yahshua. We have a revelatory word that restores their spiritual sight, so they see clearly and live life by and through Holy Spirit.
Pastor Donald Johnston, Jr.