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Sep 06, 2024 06:00am

Obedience Like Ananias

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There’s a moment in most heroic tales where the villain is defenseless. He realizes he’s been defeated. He stares at the one he has been pursuing with fear and trembling. If the tables were turned as they were before, this villain would have been merciless.

But now…

They plead for mercy.

And that’s when you see the stark difference between the hero and the villain.

The hero stretches out his hand, offering mercy, and saves him from death.

Saul. The Pharisee. Bent on destroying Christians, he was on his way to Damascus with an official letter granting him permission to arrest any person identifying with Christ. On the road to Damascus, he was stopped in his tracks as a blinding bright light from Heaven came down, with the voice of Jesus asking him why he persecutes Him.

Saul is dumbfounded. The very one he has chased after and hated is speaking to him in such a powerful way.

He opens his eyes, and all he can see is darkness.

The man who had once had his sights set on his strategic plan can no longer see even to put one foot in front of the other. This bold persecutor now requires the help of those with him to reach his destination.

The villain is defenseless.

And in that moment, the hero extends his hand.

God chooses Ananias to rescue Saul.

Acts 9:10-19
“In Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “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. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”

Can you imagine being Ananias? He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. In fact, he made sure to tell the Lord about who He was planning to save.

“This is Saul—the persecutor of Christians. Remember? He’s literally on his way here to do the same. If I go to him, I could face imprisonment!”

The Lord responded with a definitive command, “GO!”

The Lord had a person, a plan, and a purpose in mind. Ananias just had to see past his predicament.

And Ananias went.

Would you have?

The most beautiful part isn’t necessarily Ananias’ obedience. It’s when he walks in the door with faith, believing in God’s power to do the impossible.

He calls him brother.

Having been saved himself, he already knew the Lord’s grace. He trusted God’s plan and opened his heart and his arms to this man.

Once his enemy, now his brother.

We have just become witnesses to one of the greatest events in history. This is only the beginning with Saul.

And now he knows he owes everything to his hero.

There may be someone today who is waiting for you to be obedient. They are ready but need someone to bring them the good news of salvation and redemption. Will you be obedient like Ananias?

You never know how God can use even the worst of people to accomplish His glory.

I’m living proof.

Are you ready to surrender it all to Christ? Are you ready to follow Him? Go to follow.lifeword.org to learn more.