“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” Acts 9.13-19
Have you ever been in the presence of something really dangerous but stood your ground? I’m thinking of times when I fed our 2000 pound Brahma bull. Now you might say I am stupid, and rightly so, for I did this by choice although I tried to be careful. He was super friendly but big as a house! There were several times I couldn’t resist in approaching him face to face with food in my hand and then petting him gently on the nose. I never lingered. It was an adrenaline rush knowing that any second he could take a few steps and I’d be scrabbling for my life!
When I consider the position in which the Lord placed Ananias, with Saul, I can’t help compare it to my own experience with the bull. Saul was a very dangerous man. He was an hindrance to the gospel. But isn’t it just like God to step in and redeem someone’s heart? Ananias’ approach to Saul wasn’t as easy as it sounded. He even prayed to the Lord, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people…..and he has come here….to arrest all who call on your name.” In other words, “God, do I really have to go? I’m fearing for my life here!”
And yet, he went. Ananias approached Saul with kindness calling him, “Brother Saul.” Then he tells him that Jesus who appeared to him on the road sent him so Saul might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And then, “immediately,” as the Scripture says, “something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”
Isn’t it just like the Lord do this type of work in someone’s life? Do you remember when “something like scales” were moved from your spiritual eyes and you could see? I certainly do! I was 17 and had just surrendered to a relationship with Jesus. Immediately after my prayer of commitment, I was filled with the Holy Spirit and I could “see.” I was set free from the penalty of sin and death and given hope for abundant life today and eternal life to come.
Ananias was obedient to go, and Saul was willing to receive. Where are you in this story? How might you find Christ bringing redemption and grace to your weary and wandering soul?
“O Lord, in your kindness I find my rest. Even when I sin against you, and confess my rebellious nature, you do not give up. Like Saul, you send brothers and sisters to remind me of your steadfast love and faithfulness. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me know the truth of your love and the grace in your Spirit. I love you Lord and praise your name. Thank you for this day that I might walk with you. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen