Faithful in the Shadows
Nov 14, 2022
If you are familiar with the Bible, you know the conversion story of the Apostle Paul. Or should we refer to him as Saul? That was his name before he became a flaming sword for Jesus.
In Acts chapter nine, we find the critical details of how Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus. There is no denying the impact of this man for Christ. But what about the man who first prayed for and helped Saul? I'm referring to a man named Ananias.
Acts 9:10-18 (KJV)
"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." (emphasis mine)
If we take the time to look closely, we will find that behind every Apostle Paul is an Ananias, someone in the right place at the right time to hear from God. The Bible records very little about this man Ananias, but what it does show us is extremely important.
Acts 22:12 (KJV)
"And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there]," (emphasis mine)
Acts 9:10 (KJV)
"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."
1. HE LOVED JESUS
Notice that Ananias wasn't an apostle or a key figure in the early church. He was "a certain disciple." He loved Jesus and was ready to obey.
God doesn't seek after personalities or celebrities. Instead, he looks for those who love Him and are ready to serve Him.
2. HE LISTENED TO JESUS
Acts 9:17 (KJV)
"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." (emphasis mine)
When The Lord first instructed Ananias to pray for Saul, there was a slight hesitation which is understandable. Saul had permission to come to Damascus to arrest and punish any Christians he found. Ananias tried to explain this to God (as if God didn't know all this). So the Lord basically says, "Too bad, I've already showed Saul a vision of you praying for him." So Ananias went.
CHRISTIANS LOVE TO "COME TO JESUS" BUT FAIL WHEN IT'S TIME TO GOD FOR JESUS!
3. HE WAS LED BY JESUS
You may not feel worthy or qualified to be an Apostle Paul, but you CAN be an Ananias.
You CAN love Jesus.
You CAN listen to Jesus.
You CAN be led by Jesus.
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