Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias" .... 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: 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.
This passage of scripture teaches us an important lesson in our walk with God, for it clearly shows us that not all of the commands of God to us may make sense at the front end, but it's only after we obey that we often behold the wisdom and intricate planning of God in the execution of His perfect will. In this instance Ananias was instructed to go meet the very man who was hunting down men like himself, and with the stoning of Stephen fresh in his memory, he was moved to query the wisdom of God in sending him on such an errand. But he was given the assurance that the plan of God was well thought out prior to the instruction he presently received, and with confidence he now embarked on his journey, knowing that obedience to God is all-encompassing as far as results go. His confidence in God's command is revealed by his greeting of the very Saul who previously sought to slay Christians. Let's read:
Acts 9:17 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.
The issue of seemingly illogical obedience is something that must be addressed and reconciled by every Christian, for not only does it involve the smooth operation of God's kingdom upon the earth, but it also has relevance in the larger context of the efficient running of the entire universe. The angels of God who are His messengers sent forth to minister unto those who will be heirs of salvation, obey implicitly without questioning, every word that comes from the mouth of God. Some of the commands God gives them may also seem illogical to them, but from years of experience they have come to understand that God's plans and consequent commands are well thought out to the minutest detail, and therefore when He gives them instruction, it is with joy and confidence that they speed on their way, doing His pleasure. This is the clear understanding manifested by the centurion of Christ's day, which Jesus describes as being faith. Let's read:
Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
For instance, the angel who was commanded to protect Saul could have remonstrated at the idea of watching over one who was causing so much trouble to the newly formed Christian church, and who was instrumental in the stoning of Stephen. But the angel carries out the orders given him by God. knowing that God does everything to perfection, and therefore, all the intricate details of the hows, whys, and whens, have already been taken care of in God's foreknowledge, thus the angel can rest comfortably in the assurance that the end will justify the means.
Often in our experiences as Christians the commands of God seem on the surface to make no sense whatsoever, and because of this we often hesitate or downright refuse to obey until we get a fuller understanding. But if the universe was to be run that way, nothing will ever get done, or even if things finally get done, it will already be too late. If Ananias had hesitated until he had gotten all of the extensive explanations, coupled together with the guarantees of God's protection, the apostle Paul might have remained blind, and the urgent work to which God had called him might never have been realized.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to obey God, even when it seems to make no sense, for those who follow this important formula will never be ashamed in the final results of implicit obedience. Let's read:
Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!