A disciple of Jesus, named Ananias, lived in Damascus.  The Lord said in a vision to Ananias, “Ananias.”  He responded with “Here I am, Lord.” 
Acts 9:10

  Two men, one a believer in Jesus (Ananias) and the other an enemy of Jesus (Saul) responded with the same title of Lord when He spoke to them. 

  The Lord gave Ananias directions to the house where Saul was staying and then he was to ask for Saul from Tarsus, for he is praying, he has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to lay hands on him so he can see again.  Acts 9:11-12

  Ananias kept on top of the news, he knew the reputation of this man, Saul, and why he came to Damascus!  He was up to no good, as far as Ananias was concerned.  Saul’s purpose in coming from Jerusalem was to harm the saints in Damascus, to take them back to Jerusalem in chains.  Ananias also knew that Saul had the full authority of the priests behind him. 
Acts 9:13-14

The Lord revealed to Ananias that Saul was a chosen instrument who would serve the Lord and His purposes.  Saul would take the name of Jesus to Gentiles, kings and Jewish people.  Saul would also be shown by the Lord that he would suffer much for the sake of Jesus.  Acts 9:15-16

  Ananias went to the house and laid hands on blinded Saul saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 
Acts 9:17

  Because Ananias was obedient to the Lord’s voice and desire, this man, Saul, would be used by God to write many letters, and those letters would become a part of our Scriptures in the New Testament.

  Have you said “yes” to the Lord and then reneged?  Ananias did not want to follow through with the Lord’s instructions, but aren’t you glad he did?

  When Ananias laid his hands on Saul, “immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; he took food and was strengthened.”  Acts 9:18

~ Take it to heart ~

When we are quick to obey God’s words to us
“Here I am, Lord” ~  blessings follow for you and others.

Categories: The Acts of the Holy Spirit