Acts 9:17

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “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.”

Acts 9:17

Chapter 9 of Acts recounts the conversion of Saul, with his encounter with Jesus leaving him blind for three days in Damascus (v1-9). The Lord calls Ananias so that he can lay hands on Saul to restore his sight (v12), and while Ananias is obedient, he does have initial misgivings about the Lord’s decision, since he has heard of the great prosecution that Saul had wrought on the church in Jerusalem. 

The Lord reiterates his decision (v15-16) and Ananias goes in obedience. The very first word to proceed from Ananias’ mouth in his initial encounter with Saul is, “Brother.” This word is quite telling, in that it is a direct reflection of Ananias’ heart. Not only was Ananias obedient, but he was submitted in his obedience. “Brother” indicates that Ananias, after his initial misgivings, was approaching Saul in love, in full obedience to, and in willing conformity of Jesus.  

Contrast this with the prophet Jonah, who initially outright refused to go to Nineveh, and even after miraculously being spit out of the great fish obeyed, but with anger in his heart. Which of these men do you think was more pleasing to God? Lord, may we not only be obedient servants, but may we do so in love and submission.

Pastor Jeff Mericle