Today’s Community Scripture – 5/29/2025

There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.” Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.” But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.” So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.

Acts 9:10–19 (MSG)

– Reflection:

At the heart of this story is Ananias, an ordinary man/disciple, suddenly called into an extraordinary mission. His initial reaction would have probably been mine too, fear and protest, is deeply human. Saul (later Paul) was infamous for persecuting Christians, and Ananias had every reason to be afraid. Yet, despite his fear, he listens. He obeys. And in doing so, he becomes a vessel for one of the most powerful conversions in Christian history. This moment reminds us that God often calls us into uncomfortable places, asking us to trust beyond what we can see or understand. Ananias didn’t know the full plan he only knew he was being asked to go to someone dangerous, someone broken, someone blind. But his obedience became the bridge between Saul’s blindness and his new vision, both physical and spiritual. And Saul; blinded, humbled, praying receives not judgment, but healing. The man who once brought fear is now met with compassion. Ananias calls him “Brother Saul,” a title of acceptance and grace. This is the heart of the gospel: transformation through love, not condemnation.

– Where do we go from here?

The falling of the scales symbolizes more than just restored sight; it represents the shedding of an old identity and an outdated way of seeing the world. Saul is reborn, not merely as a man who can see, but as a man who will now help others see. Now that we’ve witnessed the powerful transformation of Saul into Paul and the courageous obedience of Ananias, we are called to reflect on our own journey of faith and action. Where do we go from here? We move forward with open hearts, ready to be used by God in unexpected ways. Like Ananias, we must be willing to listen—even when it’s uncomfortable—and trust that God’s plans are greater than our fears. Similarly, like Paul, we must be open to transformation, allowing grace to reshape our identity and purpose. This story invites us to live boldly, love radically, and walk in obedience, knowing that even the smallest act of faith can ignite a ripple of redemption in the world around us. The road ahead is not always clear, but with trust in the One who calls us, we can step forward with courage and hope.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, You are the One who sees beyond what we can imagine—who calls the broken, the fearful, and even the persecutor into Your purpose. Thank You for the story of Saul and Ananias, as a reminder that no one is beyond Your reach and that obedience, even when it feels risky, can change the world.