Discipline of Grace

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.  Acts 9:10-16

God brought Paul in contact with His church that Paul might learn that the truth is to be communicated through fallen instruments like himself. God was also teaching here the importance of church relation and fellowship. All light and truth are not communicated to one or a group of individuals but to the church and where ever the church is there is the truth of God.  Remember the church is the “ … pillar and ground of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15  so there must be truth and a knowledge of God in the true church.

What truth more than all others is important that lead Paul to accept his place as a chosen instrument and to suffer a life of suffering for the sake or the Lord Jesus Christ? On the Damascus road his conscience was troubled by the witness of Stephen and the things he had heard about Jesus. He saw a divine dignity under severe pressure which he never knew.  He witnessed a love shown in Stephen and saw a power at work which he longed for. He saw the character of God.  

God was displayed in His servant Stephen and this caused a bitter opposition from the foes of truth. All that live Godly in this present world will suffer persecution. This was the calling of Paul and all the followers of Jesus.

In a special sense those who live in these last days are to reflect the character of God fully and will therefore face the full onslaught of the enemies of God. Are you ready?