Good Evening Church!
This is the midweek devotional for March 6, 2024
Our series is based on the theme of “Altered by the Spirit.” As we go through our Lenten journey, we will contemplate how the Holy Spirit is always one step ahead of us, nudging us on - leading us where we need to go, altering us to conform ourselves more closely to the image of Jesus Christ our Lord.
So far, over the past two weeks, we have discussed how the Spirit pushes us to listen and hear those who are different from us, and to accept those who are ostracized by society. Our theme for this week is Altered alongside our enemies.
Tonight, we encounter a story that tells us of the turning point in the early church. The early church movement found itself heavy under persecution. And one of the leaders of the persecution was none other than Paul, also known as Saul. Paul a Roman, Greek speaking citizen and highly trained Pharisee, a “Hebrew of Hebrews” in his own estimation. Paul has been successfully persecuting the growing Christian movement, with encouragement from the high priest in Jerusalem. The Book of Acts tells us that Paul was fixed to destroy the church (Acts 8:3). He dragged people off to prison and approved the stoning of the first martyr, Stephen.
Paul, with great missionary zeal, is armed with letters to arrest Jesus followers in Damascus. On the way, Jesus intervenes. With a blinding light that knocks Paul to the ground, Jesus asks Paul one question, “Why do you persecute me?”
So feared is Paul that a devote follower of Jesus, Ananias, is troubled when in prayer, the Lord instructs him to go and help Paul. Ananias has heard of Paul’s reputation, his success in destroying and harming the early Christians. Ananias had good reason to be wary of Paul. Ananias knew that Paul that the authority to arrest him and his family - To cause them great harm. Imagine then how disturbing it must have been for Ananias to hear the Lord’s instructions: go to Paul, lay hands on him, so he might regain his sight. Not surprisingly, Ananias protests. Lord, this man has brought great evil upon the saints of Jerusalem. Paul is the enemy. Why would Jesus put Ananias in harm’s way? Jesus reassures Ananias - calling Paul, “my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. v. 15.”
So, Ananias takes the risk. He goes to Paul, even calls him brother, and lays hands on him. Paul is healed. His sight is restored. Paul is then baptized – receiving the Holy Spirit and with that, his transformation is complete. Paul becomes a champion for Christ and is responsible for bringing the gospel to the gentile world.
What is the spirit up to here? Turning a rabid enemy of the church into its greatest apostle? Calling Ananias to trust and minister to this enemy of the church?
Our story tonight is an important lesson for us if we want to grow in faith.
When we read this passage, we often focus on the amazing conversion of Paul to the gospel, and well we should. But what about Ananias? Think of the leap of faith he was called to make. God calls us to grow by going outside our comfort zones. We too are called to encounter people different from ourselves. People we may even think of as dangerous, or even enemies. People who scare us. People we just plain don’t like. The Spirit often puts us in positions of challenge – in order to witness to the radical love of Jesus. That was what Ananias was called to do. To go to that edge- to minister to Paul, who could have bound him and persecuted him – to minister to him according to the directions of Jesus, and trust that the Holy Spirit would work to alter Paul. And that was exactly what happened. Paul and Ananias, once enemies, become brothers in the Lord.
Are there people out there we are in fear of? People we might consider even dangerous? People who may have hurt us or those we love? People who rub us the wrong way? More than likely, we all have people like that in our lives. The Spirit’s work for us this Lent is to create a brother or sister out of someone we wouldn’t ordinarily reach out to. To overlook a rift or a spite and extend a hand of friendship. Remember these words of Jesus from the gospel of Matthew:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
That’s the Lenten challenge for this week. To work on a reconciliation that makes our hearts whole. To spread the good news of Jesus by overcoming a dispute, a difference, in the name of the Lord. Think of just one person you keep at arm’s length. Maybe they’ve hurt you in some way. Maybe there’s something you have a falling out with. Because Jesus calls us, like he did Ananias, to change ourselves by reaching out to that someone we would prefer to avoid. Just pick someone – it doesn’t have to be the most difficult person – just someone you’re on the outs with. Begin by praying for them. Maybe call them up. Hear their side of the story. It may not change the circumstances - it may not change your opinion– but it will change you – to be free of resentments or fear. To place our enemies, our adversaries, in God’s hands and leave the judging to God. Let yourself be changed by addressing old hurts and wounds. Just take on one. And who knows: your kindness may transform someone so that their lives can change like Paul’s did and give glory to God. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen