Here I Am: Responding When God Calls Your NameSample

Acts 9 focuses primarily on the conversion of Saul, whom God would use in tremendous ways. We all know him as Paul and find him woven so prominently throughout the New Testament Scriptures. Because of the tall shadow Paul casts and the significance of his conversion experience, it may be easy to overlook the supporting role of Ananias in that story, but Ananias is nonetheless a man of great value in our own faith journey. To fully understand the significance of Ananias’ “Here I am” statement, it is crucial that we first study the character of Saul. Saul himself was a noted Pharisee of his time—a rising star, you might say—known throughout the Jewish world for persecuting those who followed Jesus Christ. In fact, the first reference to him in the Bible is in Acts 7 at the stoning of Stephen. Verse 58 recounts, “Then they cast him [Stephen] out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” By the description given in this verse, we gather that Saul was heavily involved in the act. Furthermore, Acts 8:1 says that “Saul approved of his execution.” After the death of Stephen, things were not very pretty for the early Church, and much of that had to do with Saul. Beginning in Jerusalem, he led a great persecution of anyone who believed in Jesus Christ as Savior. Saul’s zeal for persecuting Christians only grew with time, as did the reach of his hatred. Saul was not satisfied with executing the believers in Jerusalem; he wanted to take it further. Saul aimed to head to Damascus, the capital city of Syria. He was approaching that city with his servants when a bright light shone, and he fell to the ground. A loud voice permeated the scene, asking Saul why he was persecuting Christians. “Falling to the ground,” Saul inquired, “Who are you?” The voice replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The Lord then told him to go into the city and await instructions. As if the shock of his life-changing encounter with Christ was not disorienting enough, Saul also lost his sight. For three days, Saul sat in Damascus, blind and unsure of what awaited him. This is when Ananias enters the scene. God called Ananias’ name and once he responded, He told the disciple to go to Saul. Ananias then visited Saul and both prophesied over and baptized the man. Saul became Paul. To get the full scope of how significant Paul’s conversion was, it is beneficial to look at the impact of his ministry. Right after his encounter with Ananias, Paul’s zeal for the Lord led him to witness. The first thing he did when he got saved was go to the synagogue and proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. Can you imagine what the synagogue leaders and believers in the city were thinking? Paul then went on to be one of the influential people in the New Testament. He took three major missionary journeys, pointed many to Christ, and wrote 14 New Testament books. All those transformations accredited to Paul will also be credited to Ananias at the judgment seat of Christ when Christians are rewarded for what they did on earth. Let Ananias’ story inspire you to face your fears for the glory of God and the transformation of others. Your “Here I am” will leave a powerful ripple effect in the Kingdom of God, even if you do not see it this side of heaven.