Acts 9:15-18
After Saul’s life-changing meeting with Jesus, the Lord told a certain disciple named Ananias in a vision to arise and go lay his hand on Saul so that he might receive his sight. Ananias protested this frightening assignment; he had heard of the havoc this man caused in the lives of Christians in Jerusalem. However, God is sovereign; His purpose for Ananias would prevail. In v.15 God told him to go because He had chosen this Jesus persecutor as a vessel of His to carry His name and proclaim Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. Also, in v.16, He said that He will show Saul how many things he must suffer for His name’s sake. Romans 8 says that theSpirit assured believers that they are children of God (Rom. 8:16). We are His heirs and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory (Rom. 8:17).
Ananias obeyed the Lord. He went to Judas’ house on the street called straight. He went in and laying his hands on Saul: “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.17). “Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes; he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized” (v.18). Ananias hesitated to meet Saul, but he obeyed God and fulfilled his mission. Thank God for his obedience.
Happy Resurrection Sunday!