Acts 9:10-22, Luis Cruz, GCF Durham
Jesus’ love for His friends is greater than any love you can imagine. He gave His life for those whom He had chosen to be His friends. His love took Him to the cross that we may know God’s mercy and faithfulness. A faithful friend is not someone who will say, “I care for you” but does nothing tangible to show it. Faithfulness calls for consistent actions. Series of actions. And Jesus' consistently showed that he is a faithful friend.
1. He has chosen you to be his friend.
13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” Acts 9: 13-15.
He sent Ananias to Saul to show His kindness to an enemy and make him a spectacle of His transforming grace.
The unbeliever will now become the passionate believer and bearer of the gospel of Jesus.
The persecutor will now become persecuted because of his faith in Jesus.
2. He connects you to other faithful friends.
“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.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.” Acts 9:17-18
Saul became a believer and was given the Holy Spirit.
His eyesight was restored (Physical healing).
He was baptized (Spiritual healing).
He was welcomed into the fellowship of believers (Spiritual growth).
Jesus said, “13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13.
3. He cancels your debts.
“19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” Acts 9:19-21
Saul was so deeply indebted to Jesus.
He deserved to be punished but Jesus showed mercy.
He preached Jesus as the Messiah.
4. He comforts you in times of need.
“22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 9:22
Jesus, as a faithful friend, never abandons His friend.
He provides us with strength to carry on and overcome our troubles.
He thinks about our interests.
He comforts us by providing us our greatest need.
“Come to me all of you who are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
What is your greatest need today?
Thank Jesus for bringing Himself closer to us.
Invite Him to come into your life.
Make Him the center of everything that you do.