Who Can You Turn To?
Opening Prayer
Pray now and thank God for the people who are always there for you to turn to in a crisis.
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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
Reflect
What was the result of these two miracles?The focus of the story shifts to Peter who is on the move, traveling around to encourage the believers who have been dispersed following Stephen’s stoning (7:54–8:1). It seems that small Christian communities already exist in Lydda and Joppa (32,38). Peter’s first miracle involves Aeneas, a man who has been crippled for eight years, and who was probably known to the local “saints” (32). Peter’s second miracle is the result of a summons by the believers in Joppa. This time it involves Dorcas, a lady who has suddenly fallen ill and died. In both cases Peter works with the local Christians; and in both cases the effect is dramatic (35,42). When nothing but a miracle is needed it is tempting to despair. But we are the local “saints” in our community. God calls us to do what we are capable of, and to do it lovingly with others (John 13:34). That opens the way for him to break in. It is worth noting that Peter does not rush off after all the excitement; instead, he stays with the church “for some time” (43), sharing his faith with them, even if his accommodation is rather humble–and smelly (43)!
Apply
How could your fellowship support those who need a miracle? Should you humbly ask for help from outside, too?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I know that You still do miracles today as You did then. May I support those who need one.
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