Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” Acts 9:10-12

Notice here that the Lord is speaking to Ananias in a vision by the Power of the Holy Spirit. Ananias does not think he’s dreaming, he’s off his rocker, nor does he believe that he is seeing an apparition. He is a believer and Christians know the Lord when the Lord speaks to us. “Here I am, Lord,” is immediate. This response is readiness!

Then the Lord gives a detailed description of what he is to do. Yet when Ananias hears that he is to go to Saul of Tarsus, he responds that he has heard about this evil man who has authority to bind all who invoke Christ’s Name. The Lord says, “Go for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring My Name before the Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I Myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name.” Do as I command, Jesus says, and I will take care of the rest.

And so it is revealed to Ananias and to us. How great a dignity Saul has been chosen for! Called on to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ, to serve Him in loving obedience, to offer Christ to the Gentiles, and to witness to Israel Jesus Christ is Lord!