A Certain Disciple
Acts 9:10 “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.”
In the world….prestige and success is everything. Who you know….or “hang around with” is valued.
But God looks on the heart….and places each of us in our place….to do good there.
So let us look at this certain disciple that the Lord spoke to.
First, Ananias knew the Lord’s Voice. He was a believer and follower of Christ Jesus….and he knew when the Lord spoke to him.
Second, Ananias answered the Lord right away….he did not hesitate, afraid of what the Lord would ask….but said…..”I am here, Lord”…denoting that he was willing to do what his Lord said.
Ananias was a certain disciple….it does not even say the leader of the church in Damascus.
He was not one of great training, or knowledge or experience;….just a certain disciple, that obeyed the Lord.
What follows is a great lesson for each of us as how to have a conversation with the Lord….about direction.
We often think of instant obedience….without question or thought. But God looks on the heart….willingness to obey, leads to submission of reasons and attitudes….and final obedience. I will do what I am told, no matter what happens.
When we come here….we are ready.
(Acts 9:11-14)
“And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus; for behold he prayeth,…
Then Ananias answered, Lord I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority….to bind all that call on Thy name.”
Though Ananias was willing to do what the Lord said, that did not stop him from asking for more assurance that this was God’s Will.
“For he had heard by many of this man”….
How many times what we hear about something, affects what we hear from the Lord.
Saul had indeed come to Damascus “for evil”….to destroy everyone who proclaimed Christ as Lord….”who called on Thy name.”….
….but….
….The Lord had changed everything…..
…..for He had appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, and struck down his plans….making him see the truth.
Christ Jesus was the Son of God….He did die for our sins….He was risen, and was speaking to him.
Saul had bowed to Christ….saying, “Lord what would Thou have me to do?”
Now the Lord would use His disciple to teach Saul how important each believer was to the Lord…..
…for Saul’s instruction would come simply through a fellow believer….a brother in Christ…..obedient to Jesus.
What a lesson!
(What can be accomplished by our simple obedience, we may never know!)
(In Paul’s letters to the churches….he used the term “brethren” over seventy times! We are all part of the family of God, in Christ Jesus. What a lesson was taught for Saul, from the very first.)
Acts 9:15-16 “But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
Ananias, was sent to Saul , the mighty persecutor….who became Paul the mighty Apostle….mightily persecuted…suffering many things for Christ’s sake….and he was told this, from the beginning.
Here, Saul heard the first prayer of a fellow believer for him….”Brother Saul,”
(Hallelujah! The Lord hath gotten Him the victory! And we can say the same Hallelujah! When any becomes a brother or sister in Christ.)
…the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way….hath sent me, that thou mightiest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”
Saul was healed, filled with the Holy Spirit because Ananias went and prayed…..and then Saul was baptized….and preached Christ, that He is the Son of God….
…which began his ministry of Apostleship.
And Ananias, a certain disciple at Damascus, was the instrument to show Saul the way to begin….and will receive a part of Paul’s reward for all he did.
Many times later, in his letters, Paul asks for prayer from his fellow believers for him….how important prayer is! (Ephesians 6:19)
How many are waiting to hear a word from us?
We may think we are no one of importance….or maybe think that the Word you have been given, or the prayers you have been told to have, should be done by someone else….more experienced.
Then learn the lesson of blinded Saul….and a certain disciple. When God choses you to speak or pray….
…talk to God about it….then be obedient.
….the blessing is waiting for both you and them.
Preaching, Teaching, and Notes 