Saul’s travelling companions take him on to Damascus and there he stays for three days in utter blindness. Saul is fasting and praying for an answer and it comes from a man named Ananias. Jesus spoke to Ananias and told him exactly what to do. But Ananias had heard about Saul and his persecution of the Christians. He seems a little hesitant to go. I think we can all understand. Going where God calls us sometimes can be very unnerving. We may have to go to places where we are uncomfortable, or even downright dangerous. I think of all the missionaries that have gone into hostile countries and cities to spread the Gospel. Or the back streets and alleys filled with violence and gangs. (And the list can go on and on of places and situations that are difficult to go into.) No, it is not always easy to go, but it is more difficult to stay when you have been called.
So Ananias faithfully goes to the house of Judas on Straight Street. (I don’t know why, but I find that slightly ironic – Straight Street.) Anyway, there Saul is given his sight back, a new life and a new purpose. Jesus had chosen Saul to use his enthusiastic nature and persistent personality to proclaim the Good News to the gentiles. Saul/Paul has a great background for doing all that God wants him to do. We know that he is a zealous Jew and a Pharisee-in-training (studying at the feet of Gamaliel – Acts 22:3). We also know that he is a Roman citizen. As a Roman citizen he is given all the privileges awarded to that position. We also know that Paul was gifted with preaching and he wrote many of the New Testament letters that help us understand better how we can live a godly life, pleasing to Jesus.
Paul wastes no time in sharing his testimony. And with his understanding of the scriptures he is able to show how Jesus is the Messiah.
Did you notice too, that Paul is not alone in his ministry. He has friends help him escape from Damascus and when he wanted to join the disciples living in Jerusalem, he had a friend, Barnabas, step forward and speak on his behalf. Barnabas you may remember, sold all his goods and gave the money to the apostles in Jerusalem. His name was Joseph but the apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” He will be a good supporter, friend and traveling companion during some of Paul’s missionary trips.
I find it very assuring that Jesus often helps us in ministry by providing Christian friends to help us grow and serve. Christianity is meant to be lived out in community. It is why we need to have a good church family and accountability partners. Don’t try to be a Christian on your own, cut off from other Christians, instead get involved in a good Bible study or work with other Christians on service/mission projects. As the proverb goes, “iron sharpens iron.” (Prov 27:17) We are better when we are together.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy