In Acts 9 we most likely realize the most dramatic conversion to Christianity we have ever seen in history. Saul is on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians there and he is met by Jesus in a blinding light. He is taken to Damascus by the men he is riding with because he has become blind through the encounter.
Then the scene shifts to a man named Ananias. The Lord comes to him in a vision and shares about Saul and tells him to go to him and pray over him. We pick up the story there:
3 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. (vv 13-19 [ESV])
I want us to focus on one word in this passage. It’s when Ananias starts out talking to Saul and calls him “Brother.” Here is a man who has persecuted Christians and even seen at least one killed (Stephen) and yet once he enters the kingdom as a believer all that is behind him and he’s a brother.
When we enter God’s family we emediatley become brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers in a family that will last for ever. Our past is behind us and we have been adopted into an eternal family. Can I call you brother or sister today? I hope so. All you need to do is put your faith in Jesus alone for your salvation and you will enter an eternal family the will change your life for ever!
Sixty-six books in a year 