A Light That Loves
Scripture — Acts 9:10
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
Focus
Jesus gives directions to Ananias like we give directions in my hometown of Managua, Nicaragua. At least Jesus gives a street name, then a reference point to Judas’ house where the blinded Saul was praying at that hour. Ananias is as obedient as he is cautious. He kindly questions our Jesus: “See, Lord, I don’t know if you’ve checked Saul’s social media lately, but there have been some reports and footage of deadly violence against your followers, OF WHICH I AM ONE.” (All paraphrase and emphasis mine!)
Devotion
The road to Damascus for Saul was punctuated by a challenging encounter that made him reply to Jesus with, “Who are you, Lord?” Now we find a disciple named Ananias, named and known by Jesus, who replies to his name being called with, “Here I am, Lord.” The road from Who-Are-You-Lord to Here-I-Am Lord is a long journey for all of us.
Jesus gives directions to Ananias like we give directions in my hometown of Managua, Nicaragua. At least Jesus gives a street name, then a reference point to Judas’ house where the blinded Saul was praying at that hour. Ananias is as obedient as he is cautious. He kindly questions our Jesus: “See, Lord, I don’t know if you’ve checked Saul’s social media lately, but there have been some reports and footage of deadly violence against your followers, OF WHICH I AM ONE.” (All paraphrase and emphasis mine!)
Jesus understands and responds with that ancient calling given to many: “Go and I will show you what you are to do.” In this case, he goes “…so that he [Saul] might regain his sight.” Regaining our sight is an act of communal grace. Ananias, just like the men who heard the voice but didn’t see anything on the road to Damascus, was part of the community bringing sight to Saul. Jesus speaks vision to Ananias’ concern: Go, Ananias, because I am going to turn Saul into a vessel that shines my light and he will also suffer for carrying this light.
So Ananias goes. I wonder what that walk was like for Ananias from his house to Judas’ house. Did he second-guess on the way there? Did he think this foolish? Did he want to turn around and do this another day? Did he fear for his life? I love his loving words towards Saul, “Brother Saul…” The light of his life, Jesus, was bringing light to his brother. Ananias calls Saul for what he is, and also calls him into the light of life and the light of a new calling: The Lord Jesus who appeared to you…has sent me… so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Reflect
How do you relate to Ananias today?
Act
To whom might God be sending you to go speak in a loving way?
Prayer
God of light, as I am on my way, send me with your light, for the gospel gives me light first on its way to somebody else. Give me courage, fill me with compassion. Grant me patience, by your grace, towards those asking Who-Are-You-Lord. And Here-I-Am-Lord, by your grace. Amén.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Transitioning Into a Ministry of Presence.
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Inés Velásquez-McBryde
Chaplain at Fuller Theological Seminary & Pastor, Preacher, Speaker
Inés Velásquez-McBryde is a pastor, preacher, reconciler and mujerista theologian. She is the lead pastor and co-founder of The Church We Hope For. She is originally from Nicaragua, a third generation pastor, and the first pastora in her family. Inés earned her MDiv at Fuller Theolo...