Healing–Why?
Opening Prayer
Think about how God has worked on your behalf recently. Give thanks for those things that he has done for you.
Read Acts 9:32-43
[32] As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. [33] There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. [34] “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. [35] All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. [36] In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. [37] About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. [38] Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” [39] Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. [40] Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. [41] He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. [42] This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. [43] Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the result of these two healings?Peter has begun to visit the new Christians dispersed from Jerusalem. Here Luke includes two dramatic healings, both of which have parallels in the Gospels (see Matt. 9:2–7; Mark 5:38–42). Who was this man Aeneas (32–34)? What was his life like before he was paralyzed? What caused it? How were those eight years for him? What did he do afterwards? None of that is addressed here but the relevant point for us is that many became Christians as a result (35). We see that this is also true in the story of Tabitha/Dorcas. Healing, as Jesus said, is about bringing glory to God. However, more is told about the life of Tabitha (36, 39). She appears to be a genuine, caring woman who was much appreciated in her community. The pain of grief is very apparent here. Did they really expect Peter to bring her back to life, or was this just a desperate plea for support (38)? Like Jesus, Peter sends the mourners away, possibly so that Tabitha would not be overwhelmed when she came back to life. What joy and relief: their Dorcas is alive again and many became believers.
Apply
Pray that your first desire may be for God’s glory and the extension of his Kingdom on earth.
Closing prayer
Great God, I pray that all people may see Your mighty works and give You the thanks and worship You richly deserve.
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