Introductory Thoughts
Saul chose to persecute the church of God (Galatians 1:13) which caused great hesitancy on the part of believers to accept Saul after he was converted to Christ. When the Lord spoke to Ananias, Ananias reminded the Lord of Saul’s past endeavours as well as Saul’s “present mission.” The Lord had to reassure Ananias that all was well, and that Saul (changed to Paul) was a chosen vessel to be used of God. When Paul began preaching Christ, many were amazed because they knew Paul as “he that destroyed them which called on this name” (Acts 9:21). When Paul “was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Some sinners dig such a mighty deep pit for themselves that only the grace of God and the wisdom of the believers can overcome.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Even as a child, you have a reputation (Proverbs 20:11). Are friends glad to have you visit with them in their homes or do they dread to see you coming? How do you act in Sunday School; before, during, and after church; at the store, etc?
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(For everyone): Why was Ananias hesitant about going to Paul? Why were the disciples hesitant about accepting Paul into their fellowship and number? How can your actions cause others to be hesitant in accepting or rejecting you?
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Paul was converted in Acts chapter 9, but it took years for his reputation to catch up to the new man. What can we learn from Pauls struggles about the importance of maintaining a good reputation at all times?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to show you the importance of each action that you take.
- Ask God to give you patience as you seek to fix and repair your tainted reputation.
Song
AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN?
