Scripture Reading: Acts 9:19-25

Acts 9:19-25 says: 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

Over in Acts chapter 9, we find a brief glimpse into the hospitality and warmth and welcoming of the members of the church found here at Damascus. Here is a situation where Saul had been converted to Christ. Later we read where Saul would become known as Paul. We find an important lesson for the church of today from these passages.

In the church, we like to sing old hymns about being a part of the family of God. We find in Acts 9, where Saul accepted Christ and the early church welcomed him into their family. You know, I am thankful that I am a part of the family of God.

We clearly see that the scriptures teach that the church welcomed Saul into their family. Remember, prior to this conversion experience, Paul was an enemy to the church. Verse 19 reads that after Saul was baptized, "...then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were in Damascus." As a church, we must come to the realization that our "church family" should always be growing from a spiritual standpoint.

I am pretty transparent in what I say in my devotions as the Holy Spirit of God guides me to write. I will only follow the calling of God's will. When God tells me to "go" or to do something, I am going to do exactly whatever He says. However, regardless of feelings and actions, people will always be family to me regardless of their thoughts or feelings. I have learned that I cannot control the ways of others, but I can control who I am and always love and be welcoming to people regardless of any situation.

Regardless of any situation, as believers, we must always be willing to accept into our family those whom the Lord sends our way. As Christians, we must be willing to support and love those whom God sends away for His mission and ministry work. Friend, we should accept all people regardless of what they have done in the past.

Remember this about Saul, "...he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison." Now we see that Paul is welcomed into the family of this early church. It makes me realize that regardless of what someone has done or how someone is living, we must welcome them with open arms into the church to teach them what God's word says about sin.

Many years ago, I watched a young boy who caused me havoc every day on the school bus walk through the doors of the church. I learned a quick lesson that God commands us to love everyone and that regardless of what this person had done to me personally in the past, I was to welcome him to the church with open arms.

I have heard people say things like, "well, we shouldn't allow so and so into the church." Friend, the Bible teaches that "...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleansth us from all sin." In other words, the house of God is not just for the saint, but it is also a hospital and place for those who are entangled in sin. We must realize that in the eyes of a gracious God, sin is sin and we all sin.

Our awesome God forgives all sin regardless of what it may be. We see here that after Saul's conversion that the Lord sent a Christian by the name of Ananias to go and minister to him. Verse 13 says, "Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem." Then the Lord responded, "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."

Here we see that the Lord had a plan for Saul's life. In verse 17 where he calls him "Brother Saul." When I refer to anyone as "brother" or "sister,: I am referring to someone who has made a profession of faith to the Lord Jesus and is a brother or sister in Christ.

Regardless of what people have done in the past, we must accept them with open arms into our fellowship. People must feel welcomed into our family. Amen!

Devotional Questions:

--Read Acts chapter 9.
--What do we read that the Lord said to Paul at his conversion?
--How long was Paul blind?
--How does Ananias minister to Saul in this passage?
--Should we minister the same way?
--When should we start sharing the good news of Christ to other people?
--What came out of Saul's conversion?
--Will you tell someone about Jesus this week?

 

Disclaimer: Pastor Shane's devotions are written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God and are never intended to be directed toward any one individual or group or any particular situation. These daily devotions are sent to thousands of subscribers through different mediums and is intended to proclaim truths from the Word of God. Thank you for taking the time to read and please continue to pray for wisdom as Pastor Shane's heart is to write in a spirit of love and to bring life application for every day living to those who are reading. ~Blessings!