“Get Up” and “Just Go”
By David Chang, Director of Ministry Support
Pastor Steve gave another super sermon the other week. I’ve heard the story of the Saul (who became Paul) on the road to Damascus before, but never saw how important Ananias was in Saul’s transformation. Ananias brought God’s healing, community, and purpose to Saul transforming him from a persecutor of the church to a planter and grower of churches.
This inspired me to re-read Acts 9 to see how I can be more like Ananias.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision.
‘Ananias!’ he said. ‘Here I am, Lord,’ he replied.
11 ‘Get up’, said the Lord to him, ‘and go to the street called Straight. Enquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. Look – he’s praying! 12 And he has seen, in a vision, a man named Ananias coming and laying his hands on him so that he can see again.’
13 ‘Well, Lord,’ replied Ananias, ‘I’ve heard about this man from several people . . . all about how he’s done wicked things to your holy people in Jerusalem . . . 14 and now he’s come here with authority from the chief priests to tie up everybody who calls on your Name!’
My prayer: Lord, help me “get up” to see the Saul’s around me. Help me to see behind the “hearsay.” Let me see how they are hurting, depressed, or without direction. Remind me that You are hearing their cries and want to send them help through me. But Lord, I’m like Ananias; I’m scared. I don’t think I’m the right person to help.
15 ‘Just go,’ replied the Lord. ‘He is a chosen vessel for me, to carry my Name before nations and kings – and the children of Israel, too. 16 I am going to show him how many things he is going to have to suffer for the sake of my Name.’
My prayer: Lord, help me to realize that You have a vision and mission for everyone, including the Saul’s. Help me to trust that You are planning to do great and mighty works in each and every one of them.
17 So Ananias set off, went into the house, and laid his hands on him. ‘Brother Saul,’ he said, ‘the Lord has sent me – yes, Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – so that you may be able to see again, and receive the holy spirit.’
18 At once something like scales fell off his eyes, and he was able to see. He got up and was baptized. 19 He had something to eat, and regained his strength.
My Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to obey You and “just go”. Help me to lay hands or reach out, to connect. Help me to call them brother or sister, to show that I am family. Help me to pray for their healing, and help them to see that God has a plan for their lives, that God will bless them to bless others. In the Name of the One who is telling me to “just go”––Jesus, Amen!
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