Acts, chapter 9, verses one through nineteen tell the familiar and powerful story of the apostle Paul's conversion while on the road to Damascus. While the story really is about Paul, there is another character there with whom I became intrigued as I was reading it the other day. Ananias was a believer living in Damascus. Saul (Paul) had been on his way to Damascus to find, imprison, and possibly kill people just like Ananias. After Saul is struck blind, the Lord comes to Ananias and tells him to go to Saul. Ananias, knowing Saul's reputation is hesitant. Perhaps he feared for his life or the lives of his family. It seems this would be a natural reaction. The Lord doesn't let him off the hook though. He commands Ananias to "Go", explaining that he (the Lord) has chosen Saul to be his instrument.
And the amazing thing is...Ananias went. The very next verse says "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said 'Brother Saul...' ". (vs 17). In spite of his fear, Ananias trusted God and obeyed him. He not only went to Saul, but he recognized him as a brother in the faith.
Great obedience. Great lesson.
1 comment:
I wish that I could say that I had that kind of obedience when I am that afraid!
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