A CERTAIN DISCIPLE AT DAMASCUS, NAMED ANANIAS...

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, 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: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Act 9:10-20 KJV

Act 22:12-16 KJV  And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,  13  Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.  14  And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.  15  For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.  16  And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

There was a certain man at Jerusalem named Ananias...And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias

Both previously unknown:

One became infamous for lying to the Holy Ghost, the other became famous for obeying the Holy Ghost

One allowed Satan to fill his heart; the other allowed God to direct him

One wanted to be known as a generous man, the other already had a good report of all Jews.

One was pretentious and deceitful; the other was devout according to the law 

One died in ignominy and shame, the other lives on as the man who launched the apostle Paul on his mission.

Obedience led Ananias to launch the world's foremost apostle and missionary. 

He was the first person Paul saw after recovering from his blindness.

Paul referred to him in glowing terms of praise. 

He also was not disobedient to the heavenly vision! 

He was made the subject of Paul's vision

Ananias comes through as a brave, obedient, devout man and a man of good report. 

Saul was not in a house full of Christians. he was in a house of his friends who no doubt shared the same purpose i.e. opposition to the Christians. 

You may say he stepped right into the viper's nest to meet the king viper. 

It takes a certain kind of courage to do that! These were dangerous times. 

Knowing who Saul was and his declared mission, it was no little thing to walk into that house with the re-commission from God!  It may not be the place you want to be but it is the place God wants you to be!

WE HAVE FROM THE BIBLE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF ANANIAS:

1. A certain disciple

It is possible that he was not in some type of leadership position or both Paul and Luke would have mentioned it. It should remind us that "Of a truth...God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." Acts 10:34-35. 

2. A devout man according to the law

He met all the qualifications of being a devout man in line with the Law of God. He lived according to the requirements laid out in the Law of God.

3. Had a good report of all the Jews

His reputation was good not only in the Christian community but among all the Jews. He not only studied the Law and knew it. He practiced it in righteousness and truth so that his devoted lifestyle was observed and known by all.

WE CAN ALSO DEDUCE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT ANANIAS:

1. He was yielded to the moving of the Holy Ghost

He was available to receive a vision from God concerning Saul. He was thus able to learn about Paul's call and mission in this life. His lifestyle shows that he 

2. He was a cautious man

He was not full of false bravado. He reasoned with the Lord about Saul's motive and reason for being in Damascus based on what he had heard but was satisfied with the Lord's explanation and assurance. Note that Ananias was not making an excuse or looking for a reason not to go! He was genuinely concerned about Saul's reputation, purposes and plans. 

3. He was obedient and acknowledged the authority of the Lord.

He obeyed the Lord by following through with the commandment of the Lord. He went to the home where Saul was staying addressed Saul as Brother Saul despite the possible consequences. Remember no one else knew what was going on and Saul was most likely staying with Jewish friends who had the same desire and plan that Saul set out with to Damascus. As a result of his faith and obedience, Ananias healed Saul, gave him his commission and baptized him.

Ananias probably had no idea of the impact his obedience he was remembered by Paul when Paul made his defense before Agrippa in Acts 22.

What applications can we make from this?

1. GOD CAN USE YOU REGARDLESS OF STATION IN LIFE OR IMPORTANCE IN SOCIETY

There are many who feel that they are not in any way equipped to be used by God. We should remember "... that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1Co 1:26-29 KJV

2. WE SHOULD BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE ARE ABLE TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE AND UNDERSTAND HIS MESSAGE.  

Being in position to hear God's voice is not referring to any particular geographical location. It refers to a state of mind and spirit as Ananias who was devout and had a good report. We should not expect that God only sees us on Sundays in church or on other church days, but should realize that God is near all the time in public places when all see us and in private places where we think no one sees. It is necessary for us to realize that we live a life unto God. Our allegiance is to Him. When we live according to His Word in order to please Him alone, it stands to reason that men will notice our lifestyle and behavior  They will hear our words but will also see our actions and attitude. Living to please God will have an impact not only on our brethren and those outside but it will also result in us being in a better position to hear God and get a glimpse of His plans and purposes.

3. WE SHOULD BE READY TO OBEY GOD FOR WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT ACT MAY RESULT IN FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD!

When God gives you an urge to speak to someone do not let fear and nervousness deter you. You never know what your words or action may result in? God does not deal in vagueness but in a definite way. He will give you definite directions and instructions about what He wants you to do. It is up to you to obey. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. 1Ki 17:15-16 KJV

SPIRITUAL GARDENING...IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

Luk 8:4-15  And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:  5  A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.  6  And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.  7  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.  8  And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  9  And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be?  10  And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.  11  Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.  12  Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.  13  They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  14  And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.  15  But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

GOD HAS SET IN MOTION A LAW THAT WILL REMAIN AS LONG AS THE EARTH REMAINS.

He said: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Gen 8:22

Look at some verses concerning sowing and reaping:

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. Job 4:8

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. Pro 22:8

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. Hos 8:7

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. Hos 10:13

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psa 126:5-6

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. Pro 11:18

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hos 10:12

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal 6:7-8

The SEED

Luke 8:11, "...The seed is the word of God."

Some interesting facts about the SEED - The WORD of GOD.

1. IT IS INCORRUPTIBLE, AND IT LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER

1 Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

Luke 21:33, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."

2. IT IS POWERFUL

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12

3. IT IS PURE

Psalms 119:140, "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it."

Proverbs 30:5, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."

So here we have a very special kind of seed. It is incorruptible, powerful, pure, and it lives and abides forever. The result of planting such a seed can be quite special!

Some interesting comparisons of the WORD as seed.

1. EVERY GOOD SEED HAS WITHIN ITSELF THE POTENTIAL TO DEVELOP INTO A PLANT.

The life resides in it ready to develop given the right conditions.

Even so EVERY Word of God carries with it the POWER to accomplish EXACTLY what it says.

Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Take away the germ and you destroy the seed. Even so take away faith from the Word of God and it is made of no effect. Hebrews 4:2, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

Ever heard something that affected you really deeply that you even feel it physically? In a parallel manner the Word mixed with faith will deeply affect your spiritual man resulting in manifestations.

2. BOTH MUST BE PLANTED.

The act of planting a seed anticipates a result. You expect a result when you plant or you would just be wasting time. You must DO something with the seed, OR the Word. Keep the seed in a dry bottle on a shelf - it will remain only good seed - no fruit. Keep the Word in the book respectfully and reverently dust and clean it. It will remain the wonderful Word of God, but without result. No sowing, no reaping.

Reject the Word when it is preached and you reject the results of that Word in your life.

3. BOTH MUST BE NURTURED

Just as seed needs to be planted in the proper environment for best results, so the Word needs to be planted so that it will be most effective. It must also be properly attended to. "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Hebrews 2:1

THE GROUND

Several factors are required for the success of God's Word in lives.

The most important is the ground. WE know already that the seed is GOOD. So our attention must be turned to the next most important thing...the ground...or the HEART of man

It is very difficult for plants to grow on solid rock. The heart needs to be prepared for reception of the seed of God's Word.

Jesus differentiated between FOUR types of ground in referring to the hearer of the Word.

A. WAYSIDE GROUND HEARERS

Luke 8:12, "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved."

This is the unconcerned and the indifferent. Whether a saint or a sinner, such an individual will not receive the benefit of the word preached, for they do not allow it to be effective in their lives. The ground is unprepared. It is trampled down and tightly packed, offering strong resistance to any attempt to plant a good seed. The enemy just comes along and takes away the Word from such a life.

B. ROCKY GROUND HEARERS

Luke 8:13, "They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away."

Here we have a situation where there is a little depth of soil that is prepared to receive the seed. The Word is received with joy but there is no depth. It reaches a solid barrier of rock beneath because the ground was not thoroughly broken up. When the heat of temptation is turned on these quickly fall because of the inward barrier that prevents the Word from lodging deeper. This hearer is affected by the Word while it is preached but does not allow it to take root. They are caught up in the moment and may even shed a tear or two but the layer of impenetrable rock underneath prevents the Word from taking root firmly and lack of proper supply results in loss of benefit. The least provocation throws every bit of the Word out of doors resulting in soul destroying fleshly selfish responds to situations and the environment.

C. THORNY GROUND HEARERS

Luke 8:14, "And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. "

The people that are represented here are those who hear and receive the Word. The ground is fertile but there is a lack of careful attention. As a result the cares and riches and pleasures of this life take over the prime spot and become the top priorities. Like thorns and weeds they slowly choke the results of the Word. As a result the fruit produced brings no glory to God nor reward to themselves. There is a weird mixture of the world and the flesh with the application of the Word resulting in a life of gross imperfection, and the fruit on display (attitude, behavior, response and decisions) does nothing to glorify Christ. The window display turns everyone away from buying into what we have to offer. Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

D. GOOD GROUND HEARERS

Luke 8:15, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."

Here we have ideal conditions. The heart is well prepared and receptive to the Word. It believes God and is constantly open to His Word. It allows no worldly distractions to take first place. It resists the devil's efforts to steal the Word. It is constantly allowing the Word to penetrate deeper as it meditates day and night on that Word. Psalms 1:1-3, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

The result of such a practice is abundant fruit that glorifies God and benefits the individual!!

If we are going to get results in the garden we need to obey the laws of gardening. If we require results from the Word in our lives we need to obey the spiritual laws of sowing and reaping. Hebrews 2:1, "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."

Gardens need constant attention for maximum yield. 2 Peter 1:19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"

Paying attention to God's Word can only result in benefit to the individual.

The Word has the power. Are you ready to receive it properly?

What kind of ground are you?

GOD! THE GREAT REWARDER!

Mat 16:24-27  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  25  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?  27  For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

God is a rewarder! He appreciates sincere efforts on behalf of those who seek Him. Your achievement may not be something that men will applaud or be interested in emulating but if by faith you are sincerely seeking His glory in your efforts He is well pleased and will reward your faithful diligence. He told Abraham “I am thy exceeding great reward" 

Gen 15:1  After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

   

The Word of God mentions various reasons for God rewarding someone: 
1.   HE REWARDS THOSE WHO DILIGENTLY SEEK HIM

A plainer statement is not found. The diligent seeker after God is rewarded. The favor of God is not something to be treated lightly and despised

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Isa 55:6-7  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  7  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jer 29:11-13  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  12  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  13  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Deu 4:29  But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Psa 19:7-11  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.  8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.  9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.  10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

2.   HE REWARDS THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED AND REVILED BECAUSE OF THEIR DEVOTION AND DEDICATION TO HIM!

In situations where your personal relationship to Messiah is odious to others and your declaration of His Great Name is an offence to their sensibilities, your constancy and faithfulness to Messiah results in great reward. 

Mat 5:11-12  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Luk 6:22-23  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.  23  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

3. HE REWARDS THOSE WHO PRACTICE AND EXEMPLIFY THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF MESSIAH! 

It is very easy to love those close to us and bestow favors on our loved ones. It takes the nature of Messiah to forgive those who trespass against us, bless those who curse us and do good to those who hate us. It is more than an outward show and display for public witness. It should flow from a Christlike heart with the sincerity of Christ in His pleading for the Father to forgive His tormentors. It is like Stephen who witnessed a good compelling witness and praying that his murderers be not charged with the sin of his murder. A witness that moved Saul towards conversion after meeting with God, not in the Holy Temple at Jerusalem but on the dusty road to Damascus!

Mat 5:43-48  Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.  46  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?  47  And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?  48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 Luk 6:31-38  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.  32  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.  33  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.  34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.  35  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.  36  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  37  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  38  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

4.  HE REWARDS THOSE WHO DO NOT MAKE A PUBLIC DISPLAY OF THEIR CHARITY OR SHOW OFF THEIR SPIRITUALITY!

Many in these modern days continuously make a show of their charitable giving on public media and "boast' of their good deeds. God is not pleased with all this ostentatious display. It is odious to Him

Mat 6:1-7  Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.  2  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  3  But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  4  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.  5  And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.  6  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  7  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

5.  HE REWARDS THOSE WHO ARE HOSPITABLE TOWARD THE TRUE SERVANT OF GOD AND WELCOME, ACCEPT AND RECEIVE THE PERSON AND HIS MESSAGE.

God's servants bearing His News and Messages are ambassadors and representatives of God. Receiving them means you are receiving God. Rejecting, ignoring and spurning them is tantamount to rejecting ignoring and spurning Messiah. That is something we can ill afford to do for we may well be found endangering our future and eternal relationship with God!

Mat 10:40-42  He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.  41  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.  42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

 Mar 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

6.  HE REWARDS THOSE WHO LABOR IN HIS NAME AND ON HIS BEHALF!

We have been commissioned to bear witness unto Him and are called to be laborers together with Him. He leads we follow! He commands we obey! We are here to glorify Him, to exalt His name not to make a name for ourselves. Our efforts on His behalf should result in people seeing Him and not us. We are like the curtain pullers on stage. People should not see us just what we have displayed. Their attention should be drawn to the Person of Messiah, to the Nature of God, to the Message and not the messenger. According to our building so shall our reward be!

1Co 3:7-10  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.  10  According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1Co 3:11-15  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  12  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  14  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1Co 9:13-18  Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?  14  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.  15  But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.  16  For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!  17  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.  18  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

 Col 3:23-25  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  24  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

1Ti 5:17-18  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.  18  For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

 Heb 10:35-39  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.  38  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

 2Jn 1:8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Isa 40:10  Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

Rev 22:12-13  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Isa 62:10-11  Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.  11  Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.         

1Co 2:9-10  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  10  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

If God did nothing else for us the mere fact that He gave His Son is more than enough.

2Co 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

The Messiah came to earth…a complete package from the Father…packed with all of heaven’s best and in Him we are complete! But He gave more. The Holy Ghost came next and has remained with us to this day empowering us with His dynamic divine enabling and bringing spectacular gifts with Him!

And to crown it all we live in anticipation of the day when we are gathered to Him and to eternal rewards. How can we ever hope to out give God! Surely He deserves our all!

FROM PERSECUTOR TO PROPAGATOR- PAUL (SAUL) MEETS THE CHRIST!

Act 9:1-20  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,  2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.  3  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.  7  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  8  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.  9  And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.  10  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.  11  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  12  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.  13  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:  14  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  15  But the Lord said unto him, 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:  16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.  17  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.  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.

A familiar story which, though DECLARED UNTRUE but brings home a point, goes like this:  

This is the transcript of the ACTUAL radio conversation of a U.S. naval ship with the Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland

Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the North.

Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: This is the aircraft carrier USS LINCOLN. The second largest ship in the united states Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north, I say again, that's one five degrees north, or counter measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.

Canadians: We are a lighthouse, your call!

How does a man who is sincerely religious, serving God with zeal, persecuting those who seem to follow a false way, and is suddenly brought to face with the fact, through God, that the seemingly false way is actually the ONLY TRUE WAY, feels?

He headed to Damascus to persecute any that he found "of this way" 

Instead he encountered the Way Himself and followed Him

As a persecutor of the church Saul pursued his self appointed task with unreserved zeal

As a newly converted Christian he straightway preached that Christ is the Son of God

1.  MANY TIMES GOD HAS TO GET OUR ATTENTION IN DRASTIC WAY BECAUSE WE ARE SO CAUGHT UP AND CONSUMED IN OUR OWN PURSUITS

The old farmer claimed that he could command his mule with nothing more than a few soft words, no whips or prods necessary. She would respond, he claimed, with nothing more than gently spoken commands. So his buddy down at the feed store asked for a demonstration. “Prove to me that your old mule will respond with nothing more than gentle language.”

Out in the field they went, the farmer, his buddy, and the mule. As the friend watched, first in awe and then in horror, the farmer took a huge piece of lumber, a two-by-four about six feet long, and swung it with all his might, hitting the mule on one ear! When the animal stopped braying and bellowing and prancing around, the farmer then said, quietly, “Come here” and the mule came. “Sit”, and the whimpering creature sat. “Back up”, and she backed into the harnesses of a waiting plow and waited calmly for him to hook up. “You see? She’ll respond to a simple voice command”. But his friend objected, “Whatever are you talking about? You said all you had to do was talk to her, but you hit her with this huge two-by-four! What do you mean, you just command her with words! That’s not what I saw!”

“Oh, that,” said the farmer. “Well, first I do have to get her attention!”

Sometimes we can be so set in our way that we cannot be corrected. We argue and fight over our pet schemes, beliefs and feelings, refusing to listen to reason even in the face of overwhelming evidence. We many times vehemently defend our lifestyle, heroes, politicians and actions through just plain ordinary stubbornness because as far as we are concerned we are always right and who are you to tell me I am wrong! Of course as a result we usually find ourselves on a collision course with Christ, maybe not as dramatic as Saul's, but we can only hope and pray that the encounter brings us to our senses! 

Num 22:9-12; 22-33  And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?  10  And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,  11  Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.  12  And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed... 22 And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.  23  And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.  24  But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.  25  And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.  26  And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.  27  And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.  28  And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?  29  And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.  30  And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.  31  Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.  32  And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:  33  And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

  

2.  WE NEED TO BE STRONG ENOUGH AND HONEST ENOUGH TO ADMIT WHEN WE ARE WRONG AND DO SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT IT.

Saul was on a collision course with Christ!

His encounter left him trembling and astonished. His queries instantly acknowledged Jesus as Lord. The questions that erupted in his mind..., the dismay that flooded his soul..., the agony of exposure to the stark truth..., speechlessness at this astounding revelation...! He had three days of solitary in which the world, to which he was now blind, was shut out as he pondered in dismay and astonishment at his disastrous error and he prayed...how he prayed!  

One of the hardest things is for us to admit that we have been wrong and mislead. It is important that we do not become so caught up with misplaced loyalty that we deliberately turn a blind eye and deaf ear to our conscience and to the Word of God. When we do that there is a fearful danger that we may go the way of those described in the following scriptures:

2Th 2:9-12  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,  10  And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  11  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:  12  That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 Rom 1:21-22; 28-32   Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,  30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Remember what happened to Pharaoh when he refused to pay heed to the warning from God. His pride, stubbornness and arrogance resulted in the progressive destruction of the greatest nation in the world at that time and his subsequent ignominious death by drowning resulting from self deception due to his own stubbornness. REMEMBER it is hard to kick against the pricks!

3. IF WE WILL WORK FOR CHRIST WE SHOULD GET BUSY DOING SO NOW, REGARDLESS OF OPPOSITION AND NOT WAIT FOR A MORE CONVENIENT SEASON

Many of us constantly make excuses and give reasons why we cannot do what needs to be done. Remember Saul's own friends now become his greatest opposition to the extent that they plotted to kill him but that did not deter him.  

Act 9:20-22; 26-30  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... And when Saul 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.  27  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  28  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.  29  And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.  30  Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

He continued doing what he was commissioned to do with the same zeal that propelled him to persecute the church. In his defense speech before King Agrippa he makes this clear:   

Act 26:19-20  Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:  20  But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

We need to seriously examine whether we are in a position to hear God's voice  and to obey His commands to us. We need to understand that God is able to get our attention if necessary and it may not necessarily be a pleasant experience if we are not in a position to listen to Him. We should not be so caught up and absorbed in our own agenda which we believe is right that we are unable or refuse to listen to the voice of truth and reason. Have you listened to the Lord lately or have you been following your own will taking the path of least resistance and retreating into your own comfort zone?