But, But, But

Acts 9:1-20

One Sunday, as we were discussing major theological issues (wink, wink) with the Youth of a church I was serving, someone said, "There sure are a lot of 'buts' in the bible." Of course, because we were deeply conversed in major theological studies (wink, wink) everybody in the room laughed. "He said butts in the bible." Ah, the energies of 12 and 13 year-olds.

That young man was correct, though, and we began a discussion on just how many times we hear "but" in the bible. We used many examples; Moses, Noah, Jonah, just about every prophet, and even Jesus himself all said, "But, I'm not ready" or, "But, I don't know how", or, "But, are you sure you want me to do this, God?"

Today's passage gives us one of those examples where someone is asked by Jesus to do something, and isn't quite sure he should. Ananias, one of Jesus' disciples, was asked to go see Saul, who is soon to become Paul, to bring him a message that all will be okay. Ananias isn't sure he should do this, after all, Saul was a sworn binder-and-bringer-to-justice-of-Christians kind of guy; not really safe for Ananias. Of course, Jesus says everything will be fine, Ananias does what he is asked, and behold Saul is reborn with new sight.

Along our own path we're sometimes, or often, called to do or say things in the name of Jesus which we're not comfortable doing. Feed the hungry, help the poor, house the orphan, assist the widow, and other such things which make us step outside our comfort zone is exactly what being a Christian is about. Jesus didn't think twice when he stopped to restore sight to the blind or movement to the cripple so neither should we.

So, the next time you're contemplating whether or not you should do something to better someone else's life, instead of saying "but" maybe you should ask, "how?" Just as the answer came to Ananias, it will come to you.