The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
“But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
But the Lord said, “Go… Acts 9:11-15a NLT
As I read this I have to admit that I chuckled a bit. Ananias had such a human reaction, right?!? I mean I think we all can probably relate to his hesitation. After all Jesus was asking him to go help the man who was out to get Ananias and all his friends. The man who was doing terrible things to people who followed Jesus.
Let’s put ourselves in Ananias’ shoes. Say we are in the midst of having a vision when Jesus tells us that we are supposed to go over to a house where a bad man who has been harassing, bullying, and arresting our family and friends. Not only are we supposed to go over there, but Jesus actually wants us to lay hands on the man and pray for his healing.
Hmmmm…I think my flesh would protest. I would probably be saying, “But Lord.” Can’t you hear the protest in those two words?!? I can. I love how the New Living Translation uses the phrasing, “But the Lord,” it’s like a bit of counteracting Ananias’ usage of “but.”
And what did the Lord say, “Go…” Then Jesus proceeds to say that He is going to use Saul as His chosen instrument to give His message to the Gentiles (the rest of verse 15). I’m not sure if that would motivate me to go or not. However, Jesus telling me to, “Go” would definitely get my attention.
Even though, Ananias, started out with “But Lord,” he finished with obedience. That is my take away for today. We might start off with a, “But Lord,” However, it’s how we finish that is important.
Until next time with Jesus’ help let’s be less messy and choose what’s better.