DAILY DEVOTIONAL TODAY – March 19, 2025 || Our Daily Bread [Daily Devotion] | MamClaireTV

Devotional Message:
(Acts 9:17)
"Placing his hands on Saul, [Ananias] said, "Brother Saul, the Lord...has sent me."

Observation

This verse is part of one of the most powerful transformations in the Bible. Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, was once an enemy of Christians. He actively persecuted followers of Jesus, going from town to town to arrest them and even approving their execution. But on his way to Damascus, something extraordinary happened—Jesus Himself appeared to him. A bright light blinded him, and he fell to the ground. In that moment, everything changed.

For three days, Saul sat in darkness, blind and helpless. He didn't eat or drink. He must have been terrified and confused. But at the same time, he was being prepared for something greater. Then God spoke to a man named Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, and told him to go and lay hands on Saul so that he would regain his sight.

Now, imagine being Ananias. He had heard about Saul. He knew how dangerous this man was. Saul had the authority to arrest Christians, and now God was asking Ananias to go to him. Naturally, Ananias was hesitant. He even told God, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13). But God reassured him that Saul was chosen for a special purpose—to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.

So, despite his fears, Ananias obeyed. He entered the house where Saul was staying, placed his hands on him, and spoke the words that must have shocked Saul: "Brother Saul."

Think about that. This was a man who had been an enemy of Christians. Yet Ananias, in obedience to God, addressed him not as an enemy, but as a brother. This simple but powerful act of love and acceptance showed Saul that he had been forgiven and welcomed into God’s family. At that moment, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could