“Excuses or Obedience”
Acts 9:10-18
We left off last time with Saul being led by others to Damascus and left alone with strangers for 3 days.
He did not eat or drink during that time.
Vs. 6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”
We will leave Saul alone with little to do but wait as Jesus had directed him to do; and we pick up our passage with God speaking to another servant.
As best I can see Saul was placed in the house of Judas.
We do not know if Judas was a believer or a follower of the Law.
My personal thought; Judas was a believer and now is hosting the very man that would, in any other circumstances, have him and his family arrested and taken back to Jerusalem.
My conclusion is this; because he was about to witness a visit and a healing and we did not hear of Judas reporting this activity.
I. A Vision Initiated
Acts 9:10-12 “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. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”
In this text we see Ananias minding his own business when he received a vision from the Lord.
I may ask a simple question; would Ananias be involved with this task IF he were not also a dedicated servant?
Notice just one word to from God “Ananias.”
And his answer was very simple; “Behold, I am here, Lord.”
A thought: God will call upon those who are willing to be used.
Now the directions: vs.11-12 “And the Lord said unto him,Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”
II. A Vision Investigated
Acts 9:13-14 “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.”
Ananias had asked a question with a valid concern: “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.”
Not only that he has been given authority to bind (lock up) all who follow you.
I realize in life there are times when we are given directions, and we do not always understand why; so for Ananias to ask this question reminds us that we too have the ability to ask the Lord as well.
III. A Vision Identified
Acts 9:15-16 “But the Lord said unto him, 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
OK you asked, but you still need to go even if we do not have as clear understanding of the outcome.
What Grace we see that the Lord shows to Ananias by revealing what is in store with Saul.
We do not always have this clear of a picture, none the less we have a calling to obey.
IV. A Vision Instituted
Acts 9:17 “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”
As Ananias has now entered the house would you please note him as he addresses Saul?
Brother Saul - This is not a family member addressing a family member in the Jewish way, but rather a child of God speaking to another child of God.
This is a very intimate/close greeting as though they had been connected some way.
OH yes they have IN CHRIST!
V. A Vision Integrated
Acts 9:18 “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”
What a wonderful testimony of God’s love and compassion on His children.
Notice also Saul’s response: “arose, and was baptized.”
Conclusion:
Could there be a lesson with our text today for you and me?
1. There is at least a hint that God uses those who are listening to the Lord.
Saul now Paul describes in Acts 22:12-16 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
2. To acknowledge to the Lord that you are unsure as to why I would be used does not change the direction God would have me to go.
3. We never hear of Ananias, later in life, Say; “I was the one who prayed over Saul/Paul.”
So don’t make a big deal when God calls, just obey and do as you are told; eternity will reveal what God had done for His good pleasure.
4. I would end with this simple and frequent question: Do you know Jesus as your Saviour and Lord?
