Title Acts 9:10 Becoming Ananias
Contents
become Ananias
Acts 9:10-22
I would like to introduce another person who made Saul Paul through today's message. That's Ananias. In the book of Acts, three people named Ananias appear. The first is Ananias and Sapphira in 5:1 and below, and the second is today's protagonist Ananias. In 22:12, we read that Ananias, who made Saul Paul, was “according to the law a godly man, a man praised by all the Jews who live there.” introduces him. Today, at this time, we all want to be Ananias. Finally, the third is in 23:2, Ananias, the high priest who bound Paul. Today's protagonist, Ananias, became a precious worker used by God and was a person who seemed impossible to change. He was a great help in transforming Saul into a servant of God.
First, Jesus met Saul. The eyes, which had been at issue to catch Christians, met Jesus and the eyes of the world were closed. Now, when we need to open our eyes anew, we desperately need someone's help. It was Ananias who was used by God with that hand. God works that way. He is the One who picks up people and accomplishes your good will. As I said earlier, Saul was a stubborn man who, in our opinion, could not be revived. He was a man who persecuted the church with a thorough conviction. However, after meeting Jesus, Ananias' warmth and warm words melted me like spring snow, and I became a member of the church. Not only that, but he risked his life to proclaim Jesus as the Christ. Dear saints, Let's go to God who wants to use us today. God is calling us. In verse 10, “Then the Lord said, ‘Ananias!’ And Ananias said, ‘Lord, here I am.’”
Almighty Father God! Thank you. Thank you for adopting an unforgivable sinner as a child through Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming to Saul, a man who seemed impossible to change, and for showing the world your will and visions anew. Now may we all become Ananias so that we can awaken your people who are blind. Give us strength with the Holy Spirit and use it to boldly change the world. May we all participate in your precious work. Help us to listen and obey the Word of God, not our stubbornness and thoughts. Grant us the generosity to call and treat the neighbors you have given us warmly. May all of us gathered here become instruments that lead all people to you, not those who hide your glory. “Lord, here I am.” Let us all confess and be willing to give us. I look forward to the Lord who will be with you and I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.