DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 2 March 2025: A Chosen Vessel
Text: Acts 9:10-22 (KJV)
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.
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.
KEY VERSE: Acts 9:15
“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.”
Have you ever thought of God turning a fearsome enemy into a precious friend, an adversary into an advocate, a critic into a comrade, or a persecutor into a preacher? This is the story of Paul the apostle, formerly named Saul. It is often pretty easy to believe that an intimate disciple, like Judas, can become a deadly betrayer. But we need to remember that a deadly persecutor can also become a great ally and partner in the cause of Christ. That’s the kind of power God has.
Born in Tarsus in Cilicia to a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin, Paul, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, was taught by Gamaliel. He grew to become a Pharisee himself, with unquenchable zeal for Judaism. His persecution against the church, which he did in ignorance, knew no limits, for he consented to the stoning of Stephen, jailed many Christians, threatened, beat, and voted to have believers put to death, and forced many to compromise.
However, during one of such persecutions, having secured permission to travel to Damascus to capture Christians and bring them to Jerusalem, God arrested him on the way. This encounter changed his life’s direction, devotion, and destination, and he was commissioned to become a chosen vessel – a vessel of honour, a vessel of mercy, an earthen, sanctified and worthy vessel. He then found the reason for living and dying and became sold out for Christ.
In Paul, we see the majestic power of God’s saving grace, which transforms despite one’s deeds, desires, and defiance. Paul had a religion but lacked redemption; he also had service without salvation and honour without hope. Like Saul, when we give our lives to Christ, we also become His chosen vessels (John 15:16); (Ephesians 1:4); (1 Peter 2:9). Today, are you willing to allow God to do the same for you?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
You will never know all He can do with you until you allow Him to have all of you!
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Leviticus 12-14
Daily Manna 2 March 2025
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