In almost every area of life, people who are game-changers become famous and their names are forever upheld as an innovator or leader. George Washington, Henry Ford, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Benjamin Franklin are all names of men who, in recent history, changed the world. Through their innovation and dedication, their actions caused countless lives to be affected, and in all these cases, their names are heralded and revered. In the world, that is the method of operation. You create something or you do something, and you become famous for it.
However, in the Kingdom of God we should not expect or even desire what the world gives. As Christians, this world is not our home. We are aliens; we are citizens of the eternal Kingdom of God. In a kingdom, the king receives the glory. In a kingdom, the king gives the rewards. In a kingdom, you receive glory by being in the favor of the king.
In the Kingdom of God there are rewards. Jesus said that when He returned for His Body (the Church), that He would be bringing rewards with Him based upon a person’s deeds or what they have done (Revelation 22:12). This clearly tells us that whatever reward we receive in this age is not the ultimate reward. Earthly fame profits nothing, but heavenly rewards cannot be matched or equaled by anything earthly.
Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus along with a thriving, growing Christian community. They were relatively safe, except for one thing. Saul of Tarsus had gone to the high priest and obtained documents that would allow him to enter houses uninvited and arrest anyone claiming to be Christian and then take them to Jerusalem for imprisonment, punishment, and death (Acts 9:1-2).
While on one of his journeys, Saul encountered the glory of God manifested in the form of a bright light and from within the light Jesus spoke to him. Saul, falling to the ground, confessed that Jesus was Lord. The brightness of the light blinded Saul and he spent the next three days fasting and in prayer (Acts 9:3-9). I am convinced that during this time of Saul’s intimacy with the Father that great repentance and change was taking place.
During this time of fasting and prayer, Saul had a vision and saw a man named Ananias laying hands on him and through this laying on of hands, he would be healed of his blindness. Shortly after this Ananias, the disciple living in Damascus, also received a vision. And in his vision, he was told about Saul’s vision and how Saul would be healed and receive the Holy Spirit through the laying on of his hands (Acts 9:10-18).
Although this vision from the Lord should have been great news and received with joy, it actually revealed fear within the disciples. Saul’s reputation and his cunning was so widely known that many Christians felt that this was a trick – nothing more than a deceptive ploy by Saul to expose the locations of the Christian gatherings so that he could do more harm to the infant Church.
Ananias had a choice to make. Would he respond to the fear and hide, or would he believe God, put his fears aside, and boldly act on the word from God he had received in the vision? He believed God, acted on the word he received, and the rest is history. Saul’s name was changed to Paul (Acts 13:9), and he went on to write almost half of the New Testament.
Here’s the point. As I have traveled the world, I have seen churches and ministries carry the name of Paul the apostle. While in Europe last year, I saw many large murals that featured Paul. In America, Paul is a common name given to young men. But what about Ananias? Where are the murals and honor for him? After all, without the obedience of Ananias, what would have happened to Saul? Is it possible that history hinged on the obedience of one man who lived in Damascus? Of course, the answer is yes. Countless lives for generations were affected because of the obedience of Ananias.
Although the name of Ananias is not a household word, he was a partner in Paul’s ministry and as Paul set forth to establish churches and change lives, Ananias shared in the victory. In other words, the people working behind the scenes, through obedience and support, helped to spread the gospel throughout the world. They share accounts with the one who stands in the spotlight and has their name proclaimed.
I hold you in my heart as partakers and sharers, one and all with me, of grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing).
(Phil. 1:7 AMP)
I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit (the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account).
(Phil. 4:17 AMP)
I thank God for the obedience of Ananias and all of the Ananiases throughout history. While the Christian world proclaims the name of the leader, we must never forget the teamwork in the body of Christ that is required to complete the mission. It is one body with many parts and whether you are Paul the apostle or Ananias the disciple, through your obedience to the Word of God, your reward will be great.
Saul had a vision and Ananias had a vision. Paul became famous and Ananias did not. However, their combined obedience to their God-given visions completed the mission and they shared in the same account. As I stated earlier, in the world, fame is honored. But in the Kingdom of God, the king honors obedience. Fame is nothing. Obedience is everything.
When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?
(Luke 18:8).Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
(Rev. 22:12)
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.