Today we make a transition in our Resurrection Life series. Up to this point, we have only considered the amazing interactions people had with the risen Jesus between His resurrection and His ascension. This week and next, we will look at two interactions Jesus had with people after His ascension. Why? To remind us that the risen Jesus is still interacting with His disciples today! This article is based on Act 9:1-19.

Ananias

There are three men named Ananias mentioned in the book of Acts. Ananias was a common name among the Jews. It is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hananiah, meaning Yahweh has been gracious.

This Ananias is mentioned only briefly in the account of Saul’s conversion—and nowhere else. We know nothing about this person other than what is mentioned—he was a disciple who happened to live in Damascus. That’s it.

For some reason, Jesus plucked him out of obscurity and gave him a rather significant job. We believe that everything Jesus did was intentional. His calling of someone as obscure as Ananias was not by chance. What was the risen Jesus revealing to us in this resurrected interaction?
A Nobody from Nowhere

That description fits Ananias—and most of us. Most of us are not celebrities, and outside of this beautiful valley, no one has heard of us. We’re like Ananias — nobodies from nowhere. For that very reason, this story should intrigue us. If Jesus chose a nobody from nowhere like Ananias for something very important, He could do the same with us.

Jesus could have chosen a somebody. Why didn’t He choose one of the Twelve? Peter and Thomas would have been very good choices. In fact, why didn’t Jesus just do it Himself? He started the process by appearing to Saul in the vision. Wouldn’t it make sense that He would just go ahead and finish the job?

Why did Jesus choose a nobody from nowhere when there were other obvious and well-qualified choices available? Here are some possible answers:

First, Everybody Is A Somebody. In Jesus, there are no nobodies. The choosing of Ananias should be a strong affirmation that all of us are a somebody. Are you living like a somebody? Or, because you think you are a nobody, are you living an excuse-filled and careless life of half-hearted effort? Consider the guy in Matthew 25:14-30 who only got one bag of gold from his boss to invest. He felt like a nobody compared to the others — and he acted like a nobody. My friend, you are a somebody — and you need to start living like you’re a somebody.

Second, Everywhere Is Somewhere. In Jesus, there is no such thing as nowhere. His Kingdom has no borders. At home, work, school or play, you are always in His Kingdom. Are you living like a permanent resident-ambassador of the Kingdom of the risen Jesus? See II Corinthians 5:20. Is your address or your vocation an excuse you use to live half-heartedly and way below your potential? Would you act differently if you lived or worked somewhere important? You do live and work somewhere important — it is called the Kingdom of the risen Jesus! Every place your foot touches is in His Kingdom. It’s time we start living like it!

Third, Be Ready. We don’t know when the risen Jesus may call on us to accomplish a significant task. Ananias had no idea when he woke up that morning that the risen Jesus was about to choose him for a very important mission! We don’t know either — and Jesus could call at any moment! We can’t afford laziness or carelessness. Like Minute Men, the disciples of Jesus Christ must be ready at all times. Consider Ephesians 6:10-18 and the armor of God. We must stand ready at all times.

Fourth, Be Aggressively Available. Be aware. Look. Listen. Make eye contact with people. Make yourself available to people in need by being aware. Create space in your life that God can fill with Kingdom work. The risen Jesus is calling. In Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus recognizes that the fields are ripe for harvest, but the harvest workers are few. The risen Jesus is calling us into the harvest field. Sadly, we’re often too busy, or pretending to be preoccupied, to hear or respond. Live with your eyes wide open and be available.

Fifth, Go! Ananias, like other people suddenly called by God (think Moses), felt the need to educate God concerning the risks involved in the mission. Saul was a dangerous man, and Ananias just wanted to make sure God was aware of that fact. It’s almost comical when we see someone else trying to educate God—but it doesn’t keep us from doing it too.

Is there risk in answering the call of the risen Jesus? Yes—and God already knows it. Go anyway!

In fact, if the risen Jesus calls you to do something and it isn’t risky, you may want to make sure it’s actually Jesus calling. Following Him always takes faith and courage.

Just think, today could be the day the risen Jesus suddenly calls on you to do something important! Are you listening? Are you ready? He’s calling!