The Conversion – From Saul To Paul
You’re probably very familiar with the narrative. Saul was “breathing threats and murder” (Acts 9:1) against anyone who named themselves as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. He hated the message of the gospel and was driven to do anything he could to wipe it out. He had been commissioned by the chief priests to capture anyone who called upon Jesus’ name and drag them bound to Jerusalem for trial, imprisonment and most likely death. This man meant business—he took seriously his job description and his appointment to quell this troublesome little sect of Messianic Jews before they acquired too much influence.
What Saul didn’t understand was that the resurrected Savior King was at the same time exercising his sovereign power and grace to build and multiply his disciples so that his church would bring the grace of his gospel to every corner of the globe. Not only was Saul attempting to stop the unstoppable children of faith, he was challenging the power and authority of the Lord Almighty. With all his anger and resolve, Saul didn’t know he was on a fool’s mission, one that would end with him dramatically experiencing what the power of the Lord he hated so much could do.
On the road to Damascus, the supposedly powerful Saul crumbled under the infinite power of the Lord he fought so hard to destroy. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Struck to the ground and rendered blind, Saul was directed to go to Damascus, where he would await further instructions.
As you read this story, you see the power of rescuing grace unfold before your eyes.
The Assignment – Ananias And His Job Description
Enter the main character of the story—Ananias. (Or, at least, a significant character who we often forget about!) The Lord tells Ananias in his job description to go to Damascus to the house where Saul is, then lay hands on him so that he can regain his sight. Immediately, Ananias sees red flags everywhere. He thinks, “Hold on a minute. I know this guy. Everyone is talking about him and the evil he has done to believers in Jerusalem. And haven’t the chief priests given him special authority in this jurisdiction? Lord, do you know what you’re asking me to do? Why me? Why him?”
I’m so glad that the Bible records the collision between fear and faith in the heart of Ananias for us to watch.
Let’s be real: Ananias had every right to be afraid. Saul was a man with evil intent, and he had been given authority to exercise that evil. If this job description didn’t put a lump in your throat and shivers in your heart, you would be seriously delusional.
