Imperative

"The God of our fathers appointed you," Acts 22:14.

Who's talking? Ananias, a follower of Jesus. What's he saying? He's saying what God said he should say. Who's he talking to? Saul. Brother Saul. Breather of threats against Jesus' people. (Later aka Paul, Jesus' apostle.) What did God tell him to say? That the Lord elected Saul. For what? For Saul to know God's will. For Saul to see Christ. For Saul to hear words from Christ's own mouth. For Saul to be a witness to all peoples. A witness of what? Of what he heard. Of what he saw. A witness of Jesus, the Righteous One. Of the resurrected Christ. But. Before that happened it was imperative that Saul get up, he's got to be baptized, got to wash away his sins, and call on the Lord's name. Chief of sinners, now chosen by Christ.

We visit with a brother or sister today to praise God for his marvelous grace. And, together, we give deepest thanks for God's free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.