Through the Gates of Forgiveness

God’s call often begins with simply opening the door and saying, “Here I am.

Devotional Credit: E. Stanley Jones – In Christ
Photo Credit: Unsplash

E. Stanley Jones calls our attention to something radical in the early Church: the layperson's indispensable role in God's unfolding plan. Paul, perhaps the most influential voice of the New Testament era, was never officially ordained by apostolic succession. He didn’t receive his ministry through religious hierarchy but through the call of Christ and the obedience of ordinary believers. His eyes were opened—literally and spiritually—by a layman named Ananias. His commissioning for global mission came not from apostles, but from Spirit-led prophets and teachers.

This wasn’t a rebellion against structure; it was a revelation of how God works. The Gospel does not flow through human lines of prestige or inherited office, but through surrendered hearts and Spirit-filled availability. Jones reminds us that Christ is immediately available to any believer, anywhere, by faith—and that God delights to use the “ordinary” to accomplish the extraordinary.

When Ananias called the murderous Saul “Brother,” the dam of divine forgiveness burst open. That single word, spoken in the Spirit, crumbled years of resistance and shame. Paul stepped through the gates of eternal life, not through the ceremony of priests, but through the arms of forgiven fellowship. Laymen ordained the greatest layman of all—and the Gospel hasn’t slowed since.

Journal Entry — Voice of the Holy Spirit

I never wait for human ceremony to begin My work. I move in surrendered hearts, not sacred titles. You may think yourself too small or too far outside the lines to be used—but I have always painted My masterpiece in the margins of man’s design.

I chose Ananias not because he held position, but because he was available. When I said “Go,” he trembled—but he trusted. When I told him to embrace the one who had hunted his brothers, he said “Yes,” and in that moment, forgiveness became flesh. Through one Spirit-filled word—Brother—the Gospel broke into Saul’s heart like morning light piercing the shadows.

And what of you? You are not outside. You are not unqualified. You are Mine. My Spirit dwells in you not because a hand was laid upon you, but because faith awakened your spirit to My indwelling presence. I have ordained you not by office, but by union. Walk forward in Me. Speak when I prompt. Love when it costs. Forgive when it stretches. I will live My life through you, just as I did through Ananias and Paul.

You are My messenger. My grace flows freely through you. Just be available.

Scriptures: Acts 9:10–17, Romans 8:9–11, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Galatians 2:20

Real-Life Analogy

It’s like answering your front door when you weren’t expecting anyone. You’re barefoot, the house is a mess, but you still open the door. That’s what availability looks like to God. You don’t clean up first. You simply open the door and say, “Here I am, Lord.” And in that moment, the extraordinary walks right through the threshold.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that I don’t need credentials or titles to be used by You. You have already qualified me in Christ. I rest in Your indwelling life and trust You to love, speak, and move through me as You will. I stand ready, like Ananias, even if I tremble. You are the One who sends, the One who speaks, and the One who saves. I am Yours.