Acts 9:1-16
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 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. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
Where are you off to now?
I’m heading over to Straight Street.
Whatever for?
There’s someone I need to see.
Who would that be?
It’s a man in need.
What man?
His name is Saul.
Saul who?
Saul of Tarsus…now I know what you’re going to say. But just wait.
What do you mean, just wait! I know about this man. He’s a real trouble-maker. He has the authority to haul us both off to prison. All because we follow Jesus of Nazareth.
Yes, but God told me to go and heal him of his blindness.
What! So you’re a healer now??!!!
Such might have been a conversation between Ananias and his wife. It could also be reframed as a conversation between Ananias and God. Are you sure you want me to go and heal Saul?!? I’ve heard about him…
Saul’s reputation may have preceded him. But it was about to change. Dramatically. And Ananias was to play a major role in bringing about that change. Scales would fall from Saul’s eyes. New understandings about the depth of God’s grace and mercy were soon to be revealed. God’s goodness was being played out in the life of one Saul of Tarsus at the hands of Ananias of Damascus.
Maybe you’ll never lay hands on someone and give them sight. But you may open someone’s eyes to God’s grace and truth by your words, acts of kindness, listening ear, or prayers. The challenge may not be as daunting, or maybe even more so. But think of the joy you’ll experience when you unlock someone’s heart to God’s salvation!
David Bahn - Reflections 
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