A six-week series on a lifestyle of Here I Am
No. 6 Ananias
I confess, Ananias is like a super hero in my book. It was hard stay within the parameters of this study and format for this post. Maybe I’ll expound someday. But I pray you see the relationship to be had between Jesus and his disciples as you consider Acts 9. The grandness that is held in our ‘Here I am’ response to the Lord. It’s not an autopilot lip service. It’s a live reaction to a very live God, and it’s full of awe and things we couldn’t possibly make up on our own.
Acts 9
Summary
Ananias was a disciple of the Lord in the city of Damascus. In the same area there was a pharisee named Saul. He hated Christians. Luke writes that he threatened murder on disciples of Christ. Saul had just obtained legal authority to capture men and women who belonged to the Way and bring them to Jerusalem. But on the road to do such things, Jesus stops Saul, blinds him with his radiance, and calls his name, “Saul, Saul.” Saul responded, “Who are you?” Jesus continues and tells Saul to go to Straight Street (some translations say Justice street) and wait for a man named Ananias; he will lay hands on you, and you will see again. In an interesting submission, Saul does what Jesus said.
Jesus also appears to Ananias in a vision and calls to him, “Ananias.” His reply was different from that of Saul’s. “Here I am, Lord,” Ananias said. Jesus tells him about Saul saying to go and lay hands on him and heal him. Ananias mentions that Saul has legal documents to imprison Christians. Jesus then explains why the task is so important. Saul is a chosen instrument to carry his name to gentiles, kings, and Israel, and that he would show Saul how to be a disciple. As Ananias obeyed, he witnessed the rebirth of a man take place. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes as he was healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. If that wasn’t enough to testify about, Ananias and other disciples got to disciple Saul.
It says that Saul immediately began to proclaim Jesus and grew more capable to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. Wow!
Highlights from Acts 9
- Ananias was a disciple. The Hebrew translation for disciple is the word talmid, which emphasizes the relationship between disciple and rabbi. Ananias knew the voice of the Lord. He was ready.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being a teacher that cares about his students. Thank you for relationship. We follow you with our whole lives because you have given your whole life for us.
- Ananias’ response to God was different than Saul’s. Saul responded, “Who are you?” Ananias responded, “Here I am, Lord.”
Prayer: Jesus, we lean our ears to your chest. Speak so that we learn and know your voice — even more — so that when you call, we know it’s you. Regardless of the day, the hour, or wherever we may be, our readied response is “Here I am, Lord.” Interrupt our days our nights with your call.
- Ananias had a vision of the Lord calling to him.
Prayer: Spirit of wisdom and revelation open our eyes to see and ears to hear. We want to see you.
- Jesus explained to Ananias why the task was important.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being a friend and counselor. You are not an oppressive leader, rather a good shepherd. You love our questions .You loves our honest response. Thank you for listening to us and showing us more of your heart each time we ask. May we always be a people who ask to see more of your heart.
- Ananias trusted God’s word over the facts and obeyed.
Prayer: We want more measures of trust and faith, Jesus. If you’re speaking it, let it be the foundation we stand on — to hear and do, to listen and obey. Make us wise disciples that trust your word, your voice, over every other voice, fear, noise, and threat. We need that in this day, we need more of that for the days ahead.
- Ananias saw the rebirth of a man.
Prayer: Thank you, Savior. What is more beautiful than blinded eyes that now see? Give us a heart for those who don’t know you, to see lives restored to you. Give us a heart for the sick, to see physical limitations healed — So that you are exalted and proclaimed King of Kings.
- Ananias and others disciple Saul.
Prayer: There is no greater honor, Lord, than to disciples other in your name, in your way. Will you give us disciples? Give us a heart to disciple, to train and equip others in godliness. We are asking for disciples who make disciples who make disciples make disciples.
Bonus Highlights from Saul
- Saul’s conversion pointed to Christ. The same word Jesus used for suffering in the Gospels, he uses for Saul’s discipleship. We are crucified with Christ.
- Saul’s conversion reminds us that God chooses his instruments with purpose. His orchestration is profound.
- Saul’s earthly authority did not trump God’s authority.
- Saul grew in capability to prove Jesus was the Messiah.
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Read other posts in the Here I Am series: Abraham | Jacob | Moses | Samuel | Isaiah
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