But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; Acts 9:15-18 ESV
After Saul’s Damascus road experience, he was blind and staying in a house in Damascus. The Lord appeared to a man named Ananias. We know he was a disciple (verse 10) and that he was “a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there” (Acts 22:12). He actually tried to correct the Lord about Saul, saying that he was an enemy of the church. The Lord informed him that Saul was His chosen instrument (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias corrected his attitude.
We can learn several things from this story:
- The Lord uses regular people. Ananias was neither an apostle nor a prophet. He was a disciple with a good reputation.
- The Lord calls unlikely people to do remarkable works. Saul was definitely an unlikely candidate for Christian service. Be careful about judging God’s choices.
- It’s fine to discuss your misgivings with the Lord. It’s a relationship. Just be ready to obey when He repeats and clarifies His plans.
- God uses laying on of hands as a way to work healing. Regular people can be used by God to lay hands on others and expect results.
- God speaks supernaturally to and through regular people. The Lord used Ananias to speak a prophetic word to Saul concerning his calling, and to prompt him to get up and get baptized. (Acts 22:14-16)
The Lord could have easily appeared to Saul and restored his sight without asking an everyday believer for help. So, why did God send Ananias on this mission to heal and direct the guy who was going to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles? I’m not sure about the details, but I do know that from Adam to Abraham to Moses to Peter and Paul and to us, the Lord chooses to use humans as His co-workers on Earth. He uses them in at least two ways: through the laying on of hands and the gift of the prophetic. He touches people and speaks to them through us.
People who decide to “be spiritual” in isolation are actually holding themselves back. They’re missing out on what God can do for them and through them. It makes me sad. When we get together with the saints, we can all expect to be used to impact the lives of others. At the same time, we make ourselves available to be touched by God in the ways He chooses, using whomever He chooses. It’s not my call. It’s not up to you. Don’t limit God to your way of thinking. Give His way a try. I’ll see you in church.
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