Acts 9:17 (NRSV) So Ananias…said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Saul sets out on a routine journey of some 150 miles to check out the synagogues in Damascus and round up for imprisonment those he found following the Way—one of the earliest names for Christianity. But God intervenes, and Saul becomes a believer. The conversion is so profound that Saul is blinded.
In today’s lesson, a reluctant Ananias follows Jesus’ command and provides the healing hands for Saul’s recovery. Isn’t it interesting that Saul’s sight must be restored before he can be filled with the Holy Spirit? Indeed, how can we receive God’s Holy Spirit if we are spiritually blind?
If the eyes of our hearts are not open and receptive, we miss the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it seems when I am going to do things all on my own, I can hear the Holy Spirit saying, “Fine, Bill, when you get through messing things up, let me know.” Thank God for the Ananiases of the world who obey the Lord and provide a healing touch.
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