January 22, 2014 (Wednesday)
Before he became the great Apostle Paul, he was Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee, a member of the ruling body known as the Sanhedrin, and a sworn enemy of those whom he considered heretics. He thought they were distorting his faith by giving allegiance to Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah. He was en route to Damascus with orders to arrest these “Followers of the Way,” as they were being called, when Jesus appeared to him in light so bright it blinded him, and spoke to him, convincing him that he himself should follow and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. In an instant, his heart was changed and he became a believer. He was escorted into the city of Damascus where he waited for whatever was to come next.
As Saul awaited action from God, God was speaking to a dedicated follower of Jesus by the name of Ananias, telling him to go to this new believer, baptize him and heal his blindness. At first Ananias was afraid to go, considering Saul’s reputation as the enemy of his faith and a dangerous man, but he obeyed God and went to help Saul, no doubt with much fear and trembling.
The account in the Book of Acts says Ananias was “a certain disciple.” There was nothing to distinguish him apart from other believers. He was respected as a devout man among the Jews in Damascus. He willingly obeyed the Lord when commanded to go to Saul. He addresses Saul in love as his brother. He said, “Jesus has sent me,” showing himself to be humble, not self-seeking in any way. He was thankful to be a messenger from someone far greater than himself.
J. Sidlow Baxter wrote of Ananias, “This was the man God used; ready, willing, faithful! Yet just an ordinary, humble, obscure working man… Our Lord has a special pleasure, as he himself has said, in those of his servants who are ‘faithful over a few things.'” We need to keep our spiritual ears open to messages from the Lord–He can use any of us just as he used Ananias if we are ready, willing and faithful.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
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:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
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:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
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.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.