February 23, 2023 | Be On Mission
The Apostles Heal Many
Scripture: Acts 5:12-16 (NIV)
12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
Devotional
The early church grew at a rapid rate, impacting Jerusalem and the surrounding communities. News spread that God’s power and presence was available for all. The sick were healed, the possessed were freed, and the lost were saved as the Christian movement continued to move.
Right before this reading is the passage about Ananias and Sapphira, who died after they tried to deceive God and the church leaders. Verse 11 is the transition from that episode to today’s reading. It says, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” How does this verse set up the activity of the believing community you read about in today’s passage?
Taken together, these recent readings from Acts mention a number of traits that were important to the launch of Christianity. Discern why each of these is important for a healthy church:
Christ-centered.
Courageous leadership.
Authentic generosity.
Obedience to God.
Fear of the Lord.
Spirit-filled believers.
The power of God.
Prayer
Jesus, we praise You! While reading today’s scripture, devotion and poem, we realize Your healing power is mighty. You bring healing and we share in the glimpses of Your awesomeness. You draw people to pure joy and restoration! Your love is unfailing, covering the sins of our past, present and future. Hallelujah! Thank You for our church where we gather to worship You. Send the Holy Spirit to enable us to continue being a place of miracles and healing. Let Your gentleness be evident. Remind us that we can do all things through You because You are our only strength.
Poem
Recall
I do recall that rainy day
Bicycle tires both went astray
Deserting me on gravel splayed
A-crying for my mommy
And as I walked the homeward way
My knee and leg deep gash displayed
Imbedded stony the sinew flayed
With no one ‘round to calm me
At last, my struggling feet conveyed
Me to my home so far away
Where Mother dear did then survey
Emotional tsunami
She reached out with great sympathy
And cleansed and dressed my wounded knee
Removing rock and dirt debris
While I cried on her breast
With calming voice, she pet my head
And gently ushered me to bed
She rescued me from utter dread
Allowing me full rest
Today that day I still recall
Alone I was, the tragic fall
The sobbing, wailing, calling bawl
Entreating one to help me
The long walk home of prodigal
The hope for comfort from the maul
The pain from deeply cutting spill
The stony grime a-tearing
The open arms, the tender care
The words of love which filled the air
The rest received in my despair
The healing all a-giving
