Acts 14:8–20 ‘He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed…’ (v9)
If you have ever seen someone healed by God, you will know how amazing it can be. We thank God for His healing through medicine and other means but, at times, we get to glimpse the inbreaking kingdom, as with a prayer or command God instantly intervenes to cure the malady being suffered.
In settings where there is little belief in God or understanding of his ways, such an event can be especially staggering to the viewers, as in this passage with Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
The locals evidently knew this ‘lame man’, whose identity was tied up in his disability. They assumed that Paul and Barnabas must have magical powers and, because their only reference point was the gods Hermes and Zeus, they quickly gave them the monickers.
As the temple of Zeus was in the town and religious custom demanded sacrifices, they got these ready as a thank you.
Paul and Barnabas knew where the power came from and used the occasion to preach the good news, the very purpose for their visit.
The Church of God, submitting to Jesus, should expect to see God intervene in all kinds of ways and, if we are the conduits through which He works, we can rejoice.
But we are wise not to put any attention on ourselves. Does a postman gain glory for a letter delivered that is an enormous benefit to the recipient?
We can be pleased that we have been used, but we should not take glory for anything. The ‘gods’ have not come down, but the living God has been made known, and whenever that happens is a time to celebrate.
A Prayer To Make:
Thank You, Lord, that You are all powerful and use people like me to show Your power. Please give me opportunities. Amen.
An Action To Take:
Pray for people who are sick. Tell them you are doing so and build up courage to pray out loud when you do.
Scripture To Consider:
1 Sam. 1:9–18; 2 Kgs 5:1–14; Matt. 8:1–13; Jas 5:13–16
