When Peter healed Aeneas (paralyzed and bedridden for eight years), he said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you!” Peter was clear that the Power and Glory are God’s alone. We all want to be somebody. We love our trophies, revere champions, and fight for worldly accomplishments. We’ve all got a resume – for what they are worth. And yet real power – eternal accomplishment is Kingdom work done for and by Jesus Christ.
Here we see Peter caring for Jesus’ lambs. But it was Jesus doing the supernatural work. A mystery, yes. A reality, yes. So why don’t we serve our Lord and King as he requires? Why keep the accolades for ourselves?
It is because of stubborn pride. And refusing to confess the sin in our hearts. You see, God will remain with us or withdraw from us depending on our relationship with Him (Psalm 66:10). God cares deeply about our attitude toward Him, our recognition of reality, our stance toward Heaven, our effort, our humility, and our thankfulness. The power of human pride is like a North Pacific tide. It washes in and out almost unnoticeable, but it moves masses and destroys anything in its path. It’s a tremendous force to resist. God is stronger. Jesus’ supernatural power is more powerful, like a pebble to a mountain or the earth to the universe - the tide has no pull against Jesus Christ. He can move anything at will. And Jesus is the giver of life and breath. He rewarded Tabitha, Peter, and all those involved in this story. Just as he will reward our discipline and purity today. In the reality of God’s universe, there are no participation prizes. Running well and finishing strong is of eternal importance. God tests his men and women. And he expects us to follow his way and fight according to his rules.
Lord Jesus, help us to humbly follow you, expecting you to provide miraculous life-changing healing.
People turn to the Lord when they see him at work (v. 35). Always give God the glory.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for the life of the woman, the believer, in Joppa named Tabitha. What an honored name, Tabitha. She is an example for all Christian women. She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. She made clothing for other Christian women and was dearly loved. God decided to show His power by reviving Tabitha from death. This time Peter didn’t say, “Jesus Christ heals you,” as he did with Aeneas. Instead, he simply said, “Get up, Tabitha.” But brothers, please note, first, he cleared the room. He didn’t want a big audience and a big commotion. He wanted Tabitha to experience how much Jesus loved her and how much he loved her. Jesus said his apostles would do miracles. Peter’s faith kept increasing, as did his love for those that Jesus loved. Peter believed Jesus, his King, and his Master.
We don’t seem to see these Joppa miracles today. But Jesus Christ is as powerful today as the day He created the universe. He promised to do great things through his believers. Through the power of the Spirit of Christ alive in us, we have the power of the Almighty for supernatural healing.
Lord Jesus, heal our friends today. And spiritually heal our family. Increase our faith in You. Increase our love for your sheep, your holy people. Help us expect more from you – and let us not seek recognition for ourselves.
Please use us, Lord God, to help many believe in you. Amen.
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