The Power of Community

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. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Acts 9:17-19)

Think about this moment. Ananias had been a Christian for some time. He knew the possible consequences. Paul had the right to break into people’s homes, drag them before the council, and violently attack them. To Christians, Paul was an enemy of the church.

Yes, Ananias had heard from God and believed what God said to him, but certainly, a part of his flesh felt like he was walking into a trap. However, he didn’t speak his fear; he didn't speak what his mind felt; the moment he saw Saul, he spoke a word of faith over him according to what God had put on his heart. What was that word? “Brother.” It was a word of acceptance, forgiveness, and welcoming into the faith. We should extend God’s mercy to those who come to the faith, expecting God to transform others as He has transformed us.

Immediately after this greeting, Ananias laid hands on Saul, and a miracle happened. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Saul was baptized, fed, and strengthened, knowing he was now a part of this powerful community of faith.

Practical Application

Ask the Lord who you can encourage at church this week. Saul was strengthened, encouraged, and at peace because Ananias was willing to pray, greet, and minister to him. You have someone to minister to, and someone needs to hear your words of encouragement.

Acts 2:4; Acts 6:6

Visions and Dreams

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 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 9:12-14)

God speaks to people in many ways. He could speak through a word of wisdom or word of knowledge from someone else; He could speak through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit or even through an audible voice. Another way God speaks to us and the people in the Bible is through dreams and visions.

Ananias received a vision from the Lord. A vision is a visual image the Lord shares with a person while they are awake. In the vision, God told Ananias to go and see Saul, the enemy of the church, because he was praying. Notice that God didn’t even say to him that Saul had converted. He told Ananias to go.

The task was uncomfortable, to say the least; Ananias didn’t answer with an immediate “Yes, Lord.” Instead, he responded with a reason why he shouldn’t do what God asked. He replied with a legal and physical problem. Saul had the right to arrest Ananias on the spot. He had a right to attack him if he so chose. Yet, Ananias decided to follow God’s instructions in the vision. Ananias’ response shows us the power and importance of obedience. Even when God’s instructions challenge our understanding, perceived safety, or comfort, we must trust and follow His lead.

God wants to speak to you. Are you open to receiving from Him any way He chooses? He wants to talk to you, but you cannot tell Him how or when.

Practical Application

Tell the Lord today that you are open to receiving from Him any way He would like to get you the information you need. Ask for dreams, visions, words, or pulls from the Spirit. Don’t restrict yourself from hearing God speak in only one way.

Ezekiel 43:3; Acts 10:19

Bringing God’s Glory

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 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. 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, (Acts 9:8-11)

When Saul encountered light, it was the glory of God entering his life. Scripture doesn't tell us that anyone around him saw the light, just Saul. The light from heaven temporarily blinded him, and he heard the voice of Jesus.

This encounter with God's glory is reminiscent of Moses’ experience with God’s glory on Mount Sinai. Moses was so full of light when he came down that people had to cover their eyes. However, Moses was a servant and follower of God, and Saul, up to this point, was an enemy of Christians. When the glory falls on those who aren’t living for God, there will be problems.

Saul’s blindness was not just a physical issue; God was telling him about his spiritual state. Saul was blind to seeing what God was doing because he was sure he knew that Christianity was wrong. For three days, Saul was without sight, food, or drink. He spent this time receiving help from God and had to rely on others for his safety and direction. God was preparing Saul to depend entirely on Him.

When Ananias prayed for Saul, his eyes became full of light. God is full of light and revelation, and there is no darkness in Him. God wants to show you and others His glory so that we can bring His light into dark places.

Practical Application

Does it feel like your neighborhood, workplace, or other places you go are full of darkness, depression, or heaviness? Remind yourself that you bring the light of His glory and expect the atmosphere to change when you arrive. You bring His glory.

Acts 22:11; Acts 13:11