August 24, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus ... has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)

Jesus was whom Paul encountered on the Damascus road and who turned him from being Church persecutor to kingdom ambassador. But Ananias did his part in the conversion process as well. He overcame his fear of this notorious disciple punisher and killer and obeyed God who sent him to pray for him that he may regain his sight.

Paul's eyes were opened not just literally but also figuratively when he perceived Ananias' willingness to put his neck on the line for his Lord and his obedience to obey His command to love enemies. When he heard him call him "Brother" after all his heinous crimes against his true brothers, that sealed the deal. He probably was tired of all the violence he had committed in the name of whom he thought was God and wanted the unfathomable peace Ananias had. What a powerful Christian witness.