An Eye Opener

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. (Acts 9:10 KJV)

The previous blog talked about Saul’s blindness – today we’ll take a look at Ananias. We first hear of him as he is called by the Lord, and his immediate response is “I am here, Lord.” Do we do as well? When we receive a call from our Lord, are we as eager to respond? Or, after we hear what He wants, we also follow Ananias’ example and begin to explain why we can’t oblige Him?

The Lord’s request was simple, straight-forward and step by step:

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, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:11-12 KJV)

Go here, see the man, ask for Saul who is expecting you, put your hand on him and give him back his sight. Here’s where Ananias sounds much more as we do:

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 from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:13-14 KJV)

Just in case the Lord wasn’t paying attention, Ananias felt he had to explain to Him just who Saul was and why it wasn’t a good thing to go see him. Doesn’t that sound like me? I’ve done so much explaining why I don’t/won’t do what God has required – as if He needed an explanation!!! As if He didn’t have the ability to see that what He asks gets accomplished!!!

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 KJV)

Why would that verse come to mind when missing church services? When we – or another – say, “It’s not necessary to go to church to worship.” A half truth (which satan is very good at giving) because our Lord has requested our presence. Or:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

Why remember that verse when not reading scriptures? Or questioning the validity of the Bible as truth? The next verse tells me why this is good to do:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17 KJV)

Why – as Ananias did – do we give such poor excuses for not following His instructions? Is it because He doesn’t take time to explain now, as He did then:

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: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15-16 KJV)

If I were Ananias, I would be so pleased that it wasn’t up to me to tell Saul what he must suffer. If I were Ananias, I will go to Judas’ house with a bit of trepidation. Not until Saul’s sight was returned and I left, alive, would peace come. That’s a lack of faith in God’s knowledge and ability. I need another verse:

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24 KJV)