(Acts 9:10-19; 22:12-16)
Ananias of Damascus is inextricably connected to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.When God told Ananias in a vision that Saul was in town, he was unsurprisingly concerned. A visit to that man was considered dangerous for one’s health. His reputation for harming Christians naturally preceded him.But visit him he must. Saul had been blind and praying for the last three days. God told him in a vision to expect Ananias, “a devote observer of the Law and highly respected by all the Jews living there” (Acts 22:12)Ananias was the harbinger of news, that not only changed Saul’s life, but (to this minute) is changing the world. Saul of Tarsus was told that he was God’s chosen instrument. To carry the name of Jesus to the Jewish and gentile world alike—a name he was determined, until three days before, to wipe from the face of the earth. But, for it, he would suffer!Ananias’ reluctance would have immediately dissipated before the blind and meek Saul. Being miraculously endowed, he cured Saul of his blindness.But it was the eradication of spiritual blindness that God was most concerned about. Saul had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had heard Jesus’ call to preach that which he had witnessed – the risen Christ. And he was now hearing a call to decision: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptised and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). Saul of Tarsus would become Paul the Apostle of Jesus Christ.When you do what God tells you to do, God’s will is always done. Ananias obeyed God and was blessed to participate in one of the greatest events in history. I wonder what awaits our obedience? Good things…for sure!