“But Lord. . . I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done. . .! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles.”
Acts 9:13–15 NLT
Ananias had good reason to ask God to clarify why he would be helping Saul—a man who was beyond zealous for the Jewish faith, who approved Stephen’s death and dragged believers to jail. Yet God chose Saul as a “vessel” to preach to the Gentiles, proving no one is beyond God’s salvation.
Henry Gerecke trusted God’s amazing power to redeem, too. A Lutheran minister, he served as a “spiritual helper” to Nazi officers before and during the trial of Nuremberg. By his own account, he saw some of those beyond-notorious men repent and turn to Christ. God’s promise of forgiveness is staggering; for anyone who repents, He will remove his sins “as far from [him] as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NLT).
In His mercy, God redeemed Saul, giving him a new name (Paul) and task, for which he praised Him ever after (see 1 Timothy 1:15–17). When you think of people who seem too far from God, don’t rule them out but boldly pray for transformation—that they will witness firsthand the beautiful reach of God’s mercy.
Loving Father, teach my heart to be as merciful as Yours.
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Today’s reading was adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women: 2018 Devotional Collection with permission from Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading was written by Karin Dahl Silver.