The Disciple of Damascus
Today's Verse:
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. ~Acts 9:10
This morning, we are looking at the life of a man who is mentioned only once in Scripture. His name is Ananias. Ananias is an example of being the right man at the right place. He was a man who was given the responsibility of being an encourager to the Apostle Paul after his conversion. Ananias encourages us that God is always on the lookout to use faithful disciples.
We see Ananias and an appearance.
The Lord appeared to Ananias in a vision. Immediately, Ananias responded to the Lord by saying, “Behold. I am here, Lord.” He knew it was the Lord. It could have been during his Bible reading and prayer time that the Lord came to him, but he knew it was the Lord. We are told that he was a certain disciple at Damascus. As a disciple, he took seriously the importance of being sensitive to the Lord’s working in his life. Are your devotional times opportunities for the Lord to do something important in your life? Are you looking for a Word from God? I think Ananias was glad that he was listening to the Lord that day.
We see Ananias and his appointment.
The Lord sent him on an important mission. At that time, Saul was only known as the persecutor of the Jews. No one could have conceived the idea that Saul would get saved and become the leading preacher and church planter of his day. God wanted to send Ananias on the mission of helping Saul receive his sight. Ananias would be the first Christian to have personal contact with the man who would advance the missions movement. He was to extend the right hand of fellowship to Saul and let him know that he would have God’s blessing on his life. You never know who God might send you to. You never know if the person God sends you to might be another Paul. You never know if what you think is a difficult mission is really an opportunity to be an encouragement to someone who will be a blessing to many others. Ananias was sent on the most important mission of his life.
We see Ananias and his apprehension.
Ananias had chills go up and down his spine after God told him what He wanted him to do. He told the Lord that he had heard of all the evil Saul had done. It did not dawn on him that Saul had gotten saved. Sometimes our fears can blind us and bind us from doing God’s will. Sometimes our lack of faith and confused perceptions can hold us back. Then the Lord told Ananias that Saul was a chosen vessel to bear the Lord’s name to kings, Gentiles, and the children of Israel. Ananias heard firsthand God’s plan for reaching the world with the gospel through Saul. Don’t let your fears interfere with God’s plans. Don’t let your fear be an impediment to the gospel.
We see Ananias and the approval.
When Ananias came to the place where Saul was, it was one of the most important meetings ever. “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.” Ananias conveyed God’s approval upon Saul. He was most likely the brother who helped ease the transition of Saul into the church at Damascus and possibly helped start Saul in discipleship. Saul got baptized, joined the church, started discipleship, and learned to become a witness for the Lord. Ananias was instrumental in helping a hateful man become the Lord’s man. When his hands touched Saul’s shoulders and called him, “Brother Saul”, the journey of faith for this man of God was on the way. Ananias was the right man in the right place.
Be sure you are listening for the Lord’s commands in your life. Like Ananias, be willing to be the right man in the right place!
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 8-12