Are there times in the Bible where the Lord tells us to go? If so, what does this tell us about God’s interaction with man? Have you ever sensed from the Holy Spirit you were to go and do something for the Lord? In our story of the conversion of Saul, a believer named Ananias was told to go to Saul.
10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “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. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul.[1] Acts 9:10-16
To answer the above questions, there are times recorded in the Bible where the Lord tells us to go. This also tells us that God wants to use mankind to assist Him in carrying out His work. The Lord does not need our help but wants to involve us in His work to help our faith grow.
The great commission is another example where believers in Jesus are told to go in regard to making disciples. “Go” in this context means “as you go along your way or as you go through life.” This is still what the Lord wants us to do. 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [2] Matthew 28:18-20
There are also times in our life where we sense from the Holy Spirit we are to go. This could mean to go and do something. I may need to go and ask the Lord or another person to forgive me. I may need to go and help another person. I may need to go and read God’s word and spend time with Him. As we listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, the Lord has many things He would like us to do.
As we go about what the Lord has called us to do, He begins to transform us and use us to build His Kingdom.This is what happened to Ananias and how God wants to work with you, too.
To hear the story of the Divine Intruder and Saul, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-and-saul
[1, 2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Acts 9:10–17, Matthew 28:18-20). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.