Sermon Video - The Conversion of Paul, Part 2 - Acts 9:10-22

Most people know that Saul/Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus, we're familiar with that part of the life changing event we call conversion.  Less people remember that there was a second person that Saul needed to meet before he could move forward toward becoming the famous Apostle Paul.  That second man wasn't famous, we hardly know anything about him other than his reputation as a respected devout observer of the law.  While Saul was sitting in darkness, literally, and not eating or drinking for three days, God was talking to one of his obedient servants, a man named Ananias.  What was Ananias' reward for a life lived in faith on obedience?  He was asked to follow in the footsteps of Jonah by giving mercy to his enemy.
Ananias objected to God's initial call, we all would have, and actually tried to explain to God that Saul was a villain, not someone you'd want to help.  That God knew all about Saul long before he called Ananias to help him is obvious, and yet throughout the Bible others have also tried to explain to God why the mission he is sending them on is a mistake.  Ananias joins a list with names such as: Moses, Gideon, Elijah, Jonah, and Zechariah, all of whom struggled to make sense of God's plan.  The missing piece of their puzzle was of course the power of God.  When God tells you to do something, his power will see it through if we but obey.
In the end, Ananias listens to God's command and takes to Saul not only the message about his future ministry, but just as importantly the words, "Brother, Saul".  If Ananias had not welcomed Saul into the Christian community in Damascus, if he had not offered to him forgiveness, love, and support during this crucial phase in his life, what would have become of Saul?  History remembers the great man, the Apostle Paul, but those of us who serve the Lord realize that behind every great person or powerful movement stands a host of unsung heroes who simply listened to the voice of God, and obeyed.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video