Oh the glory in God’s Word. At times I just revel in knowing that the words that have been printed (whether ink on paper or an electronic code) for me to read are mine. Even as I think of the title to this post I recognize that just as in the passage we’ll be looking at- God sees me. He knows me. He knows how to communicate with me in a way that will affect my life and in turn affect others. What an amazing God! Living, Eternal, Omnipotent, Holy, and driven to love.
Before moving on just take a moment to acknowledge God’s worth – AKA worship Him.
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Acts 14:8-18
A few words in verse 9 is what shone above the rest of the logistical details, obedience of Paul and Barnabus, the tensions of the times, and the mission God laid before Paul and Barnabas; Paul …saw [him]. This man who had never walked. The man that people passed by ostensibly without notice or care. He was somewhat of a burden to most I guess. Certainly to his family. Probably to his community, Lystra isn’t a metropolis, so like in most small towns everyone knows everyone. I don’t know which miracle was more impactful in this man’s life or in the lives of all the surrounding people- the fact that he was physically healed and able, for the first time in his life to walk, or that he was emotionally seen, or that his eternity was set as he joined God’s family in faith. Or all three in harmony.
Lessons
As far as we are told, this is the only healing on the entire trip that took about 2 years. It’s safe to say that this guy did not come to this place to be healed. It wasn’t “a thing” like it has been toward the end of Jesus’ ministry. Perhaps Paul was led to stop and speak where this guy was sitting, but there is no indication that he came to heal any infirmities. That wasn’t Paul’s mission.
Physically – Getting up and walking was no joke! For this guy it was physical expression of the healing that took place in his spirit. He had a NEW LIFE to look forward to while he was on this earth. His work, relationships, and routines were radically changed and that would be an ever present reminder of the POWER of God in his life.
Emotionally – He is noticed, valued, and elevated in significance. Not only by Paul but through Paul’s obedience, by God himself. The healing of his soul affected his demeanor, attitude, and outlook. Perhaps it opened a place in his heart to care for others but for certain it changed his heart from broken to whole and healed.
Spiritually – We don’t know much about what his spiritual life was like before this encounter, but there is no question that this man heard the truth from Paul and responded with an outpouring of faith. It was visible. More importantly it was eternal.
challenge
1. God sees, knows, and loves you. That truth is enough. It is enough on God’s part. You have to choose to accept it to be enough on your part. Enough to draw you toward Him and the life He has designed for you. Your choice. Just as the crippled man had a choice to respond to God’s truth, each of us do. There is no middle ground. No grey area. It’s faith in God as LORD and KING or not. Have you made that choice, and if so, can people see that confidence in you because you belong wholy to the One and Only God who sees, knows, and loves you?
2. Who do you SEE? Like Paul, who are you speaking truth to? Who’s eyes are lighting up with curiosity? Who do you see needs a smile, a hand, encouragement, or a challenge to grow? God has given us the mission to make disciples just as Paul. Go. See. And watch God do His miraculous work.
