Read: Acts 9:1-19
Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized. (v. 18)
Saul was a main persecutor of the church. He supervised Stephen’s death and made it his personal mission to kill as many Christians as possible. Saul’s extreme zeal was met with an extreme vision: Jesus himself came to Saul along the Damascus road. Imagine Saul’s shock! Humbled and blinded by this encounter, Saul was led by the hand like a child into the city, knowing only that his life as he knew it had changed.
While it must have been difficult to be in Saul’s position, it must have been very hard for Ananias too. It is incredible to imagine receiving a direct message from God to seek out the man who wants to destroy you so you can heal him. Remarkably, Ananias not only goes, but addresses Saul as “brother.”
From the story of Saul’s conversion, we learn that following Jesus gives hope for everyone—no person is “too far gone.” In fact, it seems that Jesus takes particular joy in choosing the least likely prospects as his followers. Since this is the case, we learn along with Ananias that we can never write someone off. Rather, we welcome folks with open arms as our sisters and brothers, and watch in wonder as the power of Jesus transforms their life. —Amy Curran
As you pray, ask God to help you see others as your sisters and brothers.
About the Author
Amy Curran is a gardener, a reader, a runner, and an avid coffee drinker. She lives in Durham, North Carolina, where she runs a community garden and a farm-to-table café for Reality Ministries.
