Ananias, God’s Servant

Acts 9:10-16

How was Ananias God’s servant?

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.” He was a discipleof the LORD Jesus who lived in Damascus, likely having been placed there by God due to the persecution in Jerusalem against any who followed THE WAY, Christ Jesus. While he and others were scattered due to the persecution, yet it was God who caused him to dwell there for this time, having taught him of Jesus Christ, His Son. Although Saul was on his way to arrest and imprison such, yet, He had placed Ananias in Damascus, to minister to Saul once the LORD had humbled him, and would change his direction to also become a servant of Christ, where he was to this point a servant of men. Amazing grace!

What was Ananias mission as God’s servant?

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.” First God prepares the heart of His sheep, then sends them His servants to minister unto them and encourage them in the grace of God. God had already converted Saul’s heart to Christ on the way to Damascus, and now He would strengthen Saul’s heart by His grace through the ministry of this little known servant of His. All the work is God’s! His servants do follow as He reveals His will.

What was Ananias hesitation as God’s servant?

¹³ ”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.” Left to our own nature we would never do the will of God. He makes His own willing in the day of His power, Psalm 110:3. This is true not only in conversion, but in every day walk. Ananias was a reluctant servant, as are any who are weighed down with the enormity of talking with sinners about the grace of God and the glory of the LORD Jesus and His finished work at the cross. Yet, it is the LORD who emboldens by His Spirit in His time, Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

What was God’s message to Ananias, His servant?

¹⁵ 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. It is the same message that is the hope of every child of God:

1. ’Chosen’ - That we are His by His electing grace in Christ Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 2:13.

2. ’Vessel’ - That the LORD Jesus Christ came and paid the sin debt and that God has declared them righteous as vessels of mercy and not wrath. Romans 9:23

3. ’Bear Christ’s name’- To take the title ‘Christian’ is to bear Christ’s name. Many do so falsely today, resembling more Saul of Tarsus in his religious zeal for the law and works, than, Paul, the convert by God’s grace. Such who are truly the LORD’s by electing, redeeming, sovereign grace do gladly bear the name of Christ wherever they go, giving HIM all the glory for their salvation, from beginning to end.