Yesterday I shared Acts 9:1-20 and spoke about the zeal of Saul/Paul.  I am sharing part of that reading with you again today so we can consider the other main character in this account, Ananias.

Acts 9:10-20 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered.  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.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.  And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 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.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.  At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Instead of zeal, Ananias seems have reluctance and misgivings. He wasn’t too sure about God’s call to go down to Straight Street and see this fellow Saul. He asked, “God, are you sure this is the right guy? I’ve heard stories about him, and he is working against us! Don’t you mean someone else?” God assures Ananias that He is not mistaken. He has chosen Saul to be His instrument, just as Ananias was His servant. So Ananias goes to Saul, but it seems as if he is still reluctant. He didn’t really want to go. He found Saul, and simply said, “Jesus told me to come here and do this.” The miracle of Saul’s sight being restored took place in spite of Ananias and his lack of enthusiasm. Later, when Paul recalls this event, he depicts Ananias as being a more forceful person, no doubt the servant he eventually turned out to be.

I would guess we are sometimes like Saul charging in confident that we know God’s will even when we do not. And then there are times we hesitate like Ananias, seeing the danger, questioning God’s plan, or suggesting someone else might be better equipped for the task. But if God is calling you to do something, He will give you the power you need to accomplish the task. It is not your power, but HIS at work in you.

It was grace that God used hesitant Ananias. When Jesus first called, he seemed willing enough. He answered, “Yes, Lord.” He had faith. He knew his Savior. “You want me to go talk to someone? Sure. Who? Saul? I didn’t know you meant him.” But he goes, in spite of his reluctance, and look at the good God does.

Of course it was also God’s grace that empowered and enabled Saul. He was opposed to Jesus. In order to use him, our Lord had to appear in a blazing light, introduced Himself, and blinded Saul for three days. He then provided for Saul’s care in Damascus. That God went to all this trouble to convert Saul into a useful vessel is evidence of His great grace.

All his past was forgiven. And look at the tremendous service he rendered for Christ!

In 1914, Thomas Edison’s manufacturing facility burned down. He lost over a million dollars of equipment, and the record of much of his work. The next day, walking through the remains, he said to his assistant, “There is value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Now we can start anew.”  In His grace, God gave the murderer Saul a chance to start anew as Paul. He gives each of you the same chance. That is why He sent His Son – to die for your sins, pay for your mistakes, wipe the slate clean, and grant you forgiveness. What you may lose in serving Christ does not compare with what you gain.