The Ministry Of Ananias

THE MINISTRY OF ANANIAS
Acts 9:1-19
When we read this passage, we think to ourselves, “God can do this evangelism by Himself. Why did He decide to use you and me – weak, feeble and unsteady Christians in the process?”
We see, when people are saved, they are saved into a family, church and people. Hence, it makes sense for these weak people to play a role in the salvation of others.

1. PREPARATION
What we know of Ananias is very limited. The only reference we have to Ananias is in this passage. Chapter 22 says Ananias was well-spoken of by the Jews. He was a devout and faithful believer, very serious in his faith in God. A man who was looking forward to the coming of Messiah, a follower of Christ, available for His service. His is a calling and a story that seems ordinary but nevertheless is glorious.
Sometimes we fail to recognize that alongside the great heroes of faith are ordinary believers like Ananias.
He needed to be prepared because he was going to do something that was not easy. He was called to minister to Saul, the then great persecutor of Christians. Hence we can understand his initial uneasiness. One of his main considerations could have been the safety of his brothers and sisters.

2. HESITATION
Ananias’ hesitation is understandable. But God, so gracious, persuaded him by telling him about these things:
a.) A now PRAYING Saul—distinctive of a genuine believer
b.) The STRAIGHT street—this is the place where the Lord was “straightening out” Saul.
c.) Saul had had a vision of Ananias coming
d.) Saul was God’s chosen instrument to the Gentiles
Ananias now knew that he was called to preach, heal and baptise this great apostle who will soon minister before a great number of Gentiles. He knew he was to pastor this apostle and prepare him for the great suffering he will go through for God’s sake.

3. JUSTIFICATION
Ananias preached to him, “Why delay? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the Lord.”
Then Saul was declared justified before God—just as if he never sinned.

Perhaps the Lord is calling you, you who are now blind.
Perhaps you need the glorious message of Ananias.
Do not delay, repent and call on the name of the Lord.