When composers create music, they do more than just write notes on a page. They compose with specific instruments in mind. While we may hum the melody of a piano concerto, it was not written to be hummed. It was written to be played by an orchestra. Each instrument is chosen with intention and follows its own score while the hand of the composer controls.
In the years after Christ ascended, the church grew. They also faced harsh persecution (Acts 8:1). New believers were imprisoned and even killed. It would have been easy to assume the risen Christ had abandoned His flock. But He was at work in ways they could never have comprehended.
Saul, a leader among the Jewish community, obtained orders to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1–2). He was “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (v. 1). But God had other plans. While Saul was en route to that city, he was confronted by the risen Christ: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4).
Blinded by this encounter, Saul was sent to meet a Christian named Ananias. But Ananias was reluctant to welcome him (v. 13). So, Jesus revealed his plan for Saul: “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (v. 15). Notice how Ananias’s attitude changes as he addresses this man, once a feared enemy, as “Brother Saul” (v. 17).
God had selected Saul, who was later called Paul (see Acts 13:9), for a specific purpose. Until now the gospel had spread among Jewish people, and Jesus would use Paul to take it to Gentiles. Like an instrument chosen by a composer for its unique sound, Paul would serve the design of the Master Composer.
Go Deeper
Are you an unlikely convert? Consider your role in God’s grand symphony. What role does He want you to play? Extended Reading:
Acts 2
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Acts 7
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Acts 9
Pray with Us
You had a wonderful plan for Saul of Tarsus, turning him into a fiery apostle Paul. We praise You, God, that You have plans for our lives as well, to give us “hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). We can trust You with our lives!
This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles.Acts 9:15
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