Day 5: God’s transforming presence – Offering Christ to a hurting world

Acts 9:17-19a (Read verses 17-22)
Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. After eating, he regained his strength.

This Scripture passage from the Book of Acts recounts the story of two men, both doing what they felt was faithful, both encountering the Risen Christ in their own way, both whose lives were changed forever. Saul was protecting the faith of his fathers, while Ananias was praying for the followers of the Way. They were apparently on opposite paths until Jesus called them together.

It was the whole-hearted pursuit of God that allowed both of these men to see with entirely new eyes, and to experience the most unexpected change of direction.

Neither Saul nor Ananias anticipated God’s direction, but the outcome has had lasting impact! That’s the transformation of the world we seek, as we practice being and making disciples: the transformation of vision, to see what God sees, and to love as God does.

We have no chance of changing others’ vision. It is overwhelming to consider the depths of the issues that face the Church and the world today. Poverty is an ongoing reality, we continue to battle disease, and many people feel hopeless and helpless. If it were up to us, we would be lost.

The Good News is still the good news: we serve the Risen Christ who makes the lame walk and the blind see. Unexpected course changes, hope and help and the power to persevere are all fruit of life with Jesus. Greater things are yet to come because He that is in the Church is greater than he who is in the world. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord, we ask that you open our eyes to your transformational presence in the world around us. Help us to see with your eyes, to hear with your ears, and to speak with your voice. Help us to bring your presence to others. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Sue Engle
Intentional Discipleship Action Team-Memphis Conference

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REFLECTIONS FOR THE DAY | Use a program on your computer, a traditional journal, or feel free to use the comment section of this blog post to record your reflections as a conversation with others…

READ – What spoke to me as I read today’s meditation?
REPENT – Where is God showing me that I have failed to be obedient to the call to discipleship today?
RECEIVE – What words of redemption and grace is God offering to me?
REMEMBER – Who and what is God calling me to remember in prayer related to today’s reading?
RESPOND – How is God calling me to respond today?

RESOURCES:
> DOWNLOADS – 40 Day Walk prayer guide (.PDF), 40 Days of Doodles kids journal (.PDF)
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