On a journey from Jerusalem, Saul of Tarsus was visited by Jesus who asked the Pharisee the reason why he was persecuting Him, and His servants, then the Lord instructed Saul to make his way to Damascus where further instructions would be delivered to him. Greatly perturbed by the encounter and now blind, Saul waited for days in Damascus without drinking or eating.
“10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:10-12)
Ananias is not mentioned elsewhere in the bible, all that is known of this disciple is that he answered the Lord’s call to visit and baptize Saul, in spite of the pharisee’s reputation. Ananias was to meet Saul in the house of a man named Judas, whom he was told by Jesus to inquire about on a the street called “euthus,” Greek for “straight,” that ran east-west in Damascus from gate to gate.
God informed Ananias that as he prayed, a vision came to Saul that he would be visited by a servant of the Lord who would bless him according to God’s divine plan.
“13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (Acts 9:13-14)
Because he feared the Jewish persecutor who on a persecuting mission from Jerusalem, Ananias felt necessary to remind God of Saul’s authority and reputation, as well as the man’s endeavor against Christians.
“15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16)
The Lord reassured Ananias by informing him Saul had been chosen to fulfill a divinely appointed mission to advance the gospel and share the truth to audiences and locations divinely prepared specifically for the apostle Paul.
“17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)
Ananias went ahead as instructed by the Lord, and entered Judas’ house where he found Saul. There, Ananias placed his hands on Saul so he would receive his sight back, as well as be anointed with he Holy Spirit, fulfilling God’s plan for the apostle.
“18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.” (Acts 9:18-19)
Touched by Ananias and anointed with the Holy Spirit, Saul’s sight was restored. After this, he was baptized and spent some time among the disciples in Damascus where he would learn about the church founded by the Lord through the preaching of His apostles, disciples and missionaries. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
