Our second section of our summer reading begins with Peter and John with the crippled man at gate called Beautiful. The man every day had been set there to beg –this man’s life would be changed forever with the words—“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! “Peter goes on to say that healing comes from the name not from him and long story short—this did not make many people happy. In fact the text goes on to say that priests told them to never to use Jesus’ name again. Lucky for us Peter and John knew where the power came from.
Peter and John return and tell their story to their friends and when they were praying again the room shook and they were able to speak with “fearless confidence” and all of them were united in one purpose, loving and supporting each other. Well all except Ananias and Sapphira who thought they could not be fully honest—and what happened to them? They died….The Message translation reads that by this all knew that God was not to be trifled with. You can’t fool God.
So let’s just talk:
1. Peter’s first miracle is at the Gate called Beautiful where he heals a beggar. I wonder how many times I walk right by those in need, not wanting to get involved or worse yet thinking that I am powerless to help them. By Peter doesn’t walk by….why and was he really confident that this man would walk?
2. Peter calls on the congregation gathered to change their ways—in what ways does the congregation need to change their ways today? Are we ready to face God?
3. Peter and John were warned to never mention the name of Jesus again. The temple priests and Sadducees were threatened but Peter and John knew where the power came from and they stood up to the temple priests. Why are we so reluctant to speak the name of Jesus? The gospel is offensive because it challenges us to our core, but this is where the power comes.
4. One of my favorite people in the bible is Barnabas—the great encourager. I find it interesting that he is juxtaposed to Ananias and Sapphira. Barnabas gives everything to the early church yet Ananias and Sapphira think they can give them just enough—what happens? They die. Why do we think that we can hide from God? Or are we just not willing to give all we have?
Well that’s enough to chew on this week---so let’s just talk!
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What I find amazing is not his confidence but the amount of trust that Peter has. How many times have I not yielded to the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit when it comes to others? Too many. Is faith healing still truly possible? Does it still happen? I have friends in the medical community who say that it does, but I don't know...
ReplyDeleteThis passage challenged my notion that it is important to be in relationship with others to open them up to the difference Jesus can make in their lives. Peter was not in relationship with the beggar, but he recognized the opening that was created for him. Amazing! Pray that I might be as bold...
I am certainly reluctant to speak in the name of Jesus. No matter how much I study and learn about Him, I fear I may misrepresent Him when it matters most. The last thing I want is to be responsible for turning a non-believer even further away from Him.
So many questionable things have been said and done in the name of Jesus that I fear nothing I say after invoking his name will be heard by my peers. So many in America have been hurt by churches that have claimed to have Jesus on their side... This should fuel my passion to clear up all misunderstandings. And to make amends in His name. But while our churches remain filled with hypocrisy it is still risky to speak His name. It is not the fear of persecution that prevents me... it is more the fear of isolation. And having a family just adds to the fear of isolation. Even if I can take it, what about my family? Does this mean I lack true faith?
The exchange between Peter and Ananias (before Ananias dies) is unsettling. Peter is calling out the sin of lying - which is not the same as holding back. When Sapphira talks to Peter, she lies as well. Of course God knows the truth no matter how we try to hide from Him. I don't think many believers intentionally lie to God. Perhaps Sapphira and Ananias were not true believers? Maybe they had a different motivation for trying to be a part of the early church...
There is a difference between intentionally withholding from God and being slow to face the truth. Even when we are willing to give all we have there are times that we cannot see all that we have. This is where community becomes crucial. Having loving relationships with other believers means they can see things I am willing to hide from myself - and from God. And they can hold up the mirror so I have to face the truth.