Unstoppable! 'God's Chosen Instrument' — Acts 9:15-16

Friday, May 12, 2023

But the Lord said [to Ananias], "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."

— Acts 9:15-16 NLT

Key Thought

God told Ananias that Saul, whom we know later as Paul, was his "chosen instrument," or "chosen vessel" in some translations, to carry the Good News to the Gentile world in addition to Israelites. We can only speculate whether Ananias conveyed the words from his vision to Saul, but God declared this truth to Ananias right before he spoke to Saul about God's plan for him (Acts 9:15-17). Later, Paul used the same Greek word to remind us that we are also God's "chosen instruments" to be used to honor our Father in heaven (Romans 6:13). Just as Paul was, we were bought at a high price for God's honor and service (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

* The Greek word σκεῦος is translated variously as vessel, instrument, jar, utensil, and metaphorically as our body (Romans 9:21-23; 2 Corinthians 4:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:20-21; cf. 1 Peter 3:7 NKJV).

Today's Prayer

O Father, I pray that you use me as your vessel of grace to share Jesus with many who have not heard and many whose faith is weak and who need encouragement and reassurance. I recognize that as an ordinary vessel, my sufficiency comes from the Spirit's power along with my willingness to be a vessel of honor in service to Jesus and his message of love and grace. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 9:21-23
  • 2 Timothy 2:20-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 9:15-16 NLT — But the Lord said [to Ananias], "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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