“Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘ “Ananias.” ‘ And he said, ‘ “Here I am, Lord.” ‘ So the Lord said to him, ‘ “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” ‘ Then Ananias answered, ‘ “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” ‘ But the Lord said to him, ‘ “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” ‘ ” ‘ ” ‘ ” ‘ ” ‘ “ (Acts 9:10-16).
Dear Heaenly Father, please help us to be willing to do what You ask us to do whether we understand what, or why, You are usking us to do it. May we always give way to Your will in our lives. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ananias, was called by God, to introduce to The Way, the greatest evangelist the world has ever known! If Ananias had a choice, and he did have a choice, but was willing to surrender his choice to the will of God! How blessed he would feel in years to come to be known as the one who God used to put the feet of the Apostle Paul on the path to eternal life!
God knows who is willing to go, at a moment’s notice, to do His bidding! This godly man, after talking to the Lord, was willing to go on God’s errand, not knowing fully, at first sight, if this apparent conversion of Saul was a ploy. But because God assured him of what His plans were for Paul, Ananias believed God. God said it! He believed it! And, That settled it! He would go!
Not much is said of Ananias in Scripture.
The only other time Ananias, the servant of God is mentioned, is when Paul, in sharing his conversion story, makes mention of him in Acts 22:12-16.
Thus, Dr. Luke, also considered the author of THE ACTS of the Apostles, points out another unsung hero who God chose to use, for His glory, and to help in the grooming of a chosen vessel!
The other two Ananias’ mentioned in Scripture, are the complete opposite of this man of God, Ananias, a member of the early church (Acts 5), and Ananias, the high priest (Acts 23:2, 24:1).
In our next devotional, we will share the rest of Ananaias’ short story, as it took place.