Ananias was just a loving follower of Christ. He was minding his own business when God sent Him a vision to go and meet Saul. That is right, Saul the crusader against followers of Christ. Ananias questioned God’s choice here, but, as God is wanting to do, He rightfully picked this man to begin the true conversion of Paul. Once healed, God and Paul came to an understanding. God would use this Pharisee superstar to teach non-Jewish people of many other faiths, races, and nationalities about God’s grace and acceptance of people just as they are. It would literally bring the Gospel across the globe.
Ananias probably went home a bit apprehensive after healing Paul. The believers in Damascus certainly were concerned that Paul, their arch enemy, was now leading a revival in the synagogue. There is no doubt that Paul’s mission was controversial, and His resume was not the top choice for anyone seeking to hire a missionary for the Gentile world. Bible history reminds us again and again that is when God does His best work. We should never doubt that when God calls us to a mission, he provides the tools to complete that mission. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 reminds us, “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” The Father is not nearly as concerned with our abilities as He is with our availability.
Paul was being prepared to do some amazing things. The preparation would not be anything like we would plan, but one need only search the New Testament’s table of contents to realize God’s plan worked. Luke became Paul’s closest friend and faithful physician. There is little doubt that God knew Paul’s needs and the best tool for building the church. God called Paul to build the church in Asia, but He also called Luke to tend His missionary and accurately report the adventure that ensued. He who calls us is faithful and He will do it. Then and now God is not looking for our ability only our availability. Let’s be ready to be available with a grateful heart.
God Bless You
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
- For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
Walking With God 