Ananias--Just a Christian

(From time to time as I sit down to write, God brings to mind something that He has given me to write in the past that I need to be reminded of once again. Perhaps I am not the only person who needs to be reminded of this story from God's Word.... )

Acts 9:10 (NIV) In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

In a play, there are leading roles and supporting roles. Most people aspire for a leading role. God shows us the importance of a supporting role, and the cost both roles entail...

Ananias was just a Christian.

He is only mentioned in the book of Acts for nine verses. (Acts 9:10-18)

Ananias enters and leaves the narrative, and we never hear mention of him again.

So why does this man have an honored place in sacred history and a special claim on the gratitude of all, who in one way or another, have entered the blessing that stems from the life and work of the Apostle Paul?

Let's enter the story and find out:

Remember the story of Paul, first known as Saul of Tarsus, who was knocked to the ground by a bright flash of light from heaven and was suddenly blind as he traveled on the road to Damascus in his search of finding Christians to persecute? Well, Saul was led by the hand to the house of Judas who lived on Straight Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Damascus.

Enter Ananias.

Ananias was a disciple who lived in Damascus. The news of Saul had already reached Damascus and Ananias was aware of the authority that had been given him to arrest believers.

The Lord called to Ananias in a vision, "Ananias!"

"Yes, Lord," he answered.

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." (Acts 9:10-12)

Ananias was scared. He reminded the Lord who Saul was and how dangerous he was. The Lord told Ananias that He had a great work for Saul to do. Saul was His chosen instrument, a messenger who would spread the good news of Jesus' name more widely than anyone else.

Ananias obeyed and went to the house of Judas on Straight Street.

Upon entering the house, Ananias placed his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17) Immediately, scales fell of of Saul's eyes and he could see again.

Ananias was God's mouthpiece that day, his words were not his own; he was commissioned by God. He immediately baptized Saul. Then, Ananias leaves the story, and we never hear from him again.

Ananias, just a Christian, made history that day because of one single act of obedience. He was an ordinary man who didn't ask God for a leading role, for a title, or for credit; he was simply obedient.

Then he exited the story.

We do not know if Ananias was married or single, rich or poor. We only know that he knew the voice of the Lord and obeyed.

Just a Christian is all it takes to change the course of history and spread the news of Jesus to the world.

Ananias--just a Christian.


Say the Course...

Sheila Cote