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Luke 7:1-10 | Acts 9:31-43
We’ve got healings all over our readings today: a paralyzed man, a dead woman, the servant of a military official.
But in the middle of these healings in Acts, there’s this interesting notation from Luke about the Church. He says that the church enjoyed a time of peace. It seems that the people of God do indeed have various periods of different experiences.
Sometimes, the assumption is that if we’re doing everything we’re supposed to, then everything should go well. But both the gospels and Acts demonstrate to us that this is not true. Sometimes things don’t go well. (Why did Tabitha get sick and die? It just was.)
And so we keep on despite circumstances. It’s not wrong to ask, “Why?” and the question can even help move us along. But don’t let reasoning keep us from moving forward.
Luke 7:1-10
After Jesus finished presenting all his words among the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion had a servant who was very important to him, but the servant was ill and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Jesus to ask him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus, they earnestly pleaded with Jesus. “He deserves to have you do this for him,” they said. “He loves our people and he built our synagogue for us.”
Jesus went with them. He had almost reached the house when the centurion sent friends to say to Jesus, “Lord, don’t be bothered. I don’t deserve to have you come under my roof. In fact, I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. Just say the word and my servant will be healed. I’m also a man appointed under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and the servant does it.”
When Jesus heard these words, he was impressed with the centurion. He turned to the crowd following him and said, “I tell you, even in Israel I haven’t found faith like this.” When the centurion’s friends returned to his house, they found the servant restored to health.
Acts 9:31-43
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. God strengthened the church, and its life was marked by reverence for the Lord. Encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the church continued to grow in numbers.
As Peter toured the whole region, he went to visit God’s holy people in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas who was paralyzed and had been confined to his bed for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed.” At once he got up. Everyone who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas). Her life overflowed with good works and compassionate acts on behalf of those in need. About that time, though, she became so ill that she died. After they washed her body, they laid her in an upstairs room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two people to Peter. They urged, “Please come right away!” Peter went with them. Upon his arrival, he was taken to the upstairs room. All the widows stood beside him, crying as they showed the tunics and other clothing Dorcas made when she was alive.
Peter sent everyone out of the room, then knelt and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up. Then he called God’s holy people, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. The news spread throughout Joppa, and many put their faith in the Lord. Peter stayed for some time in Joppa with a certain tanner named Simon.
Prayer
God,
Thank you for a new day and a new work week. Thank you for your Word and grace I received yesterday with your Church. May my spirit and body continue to feed on what you provide today and this whole week.
As I come upon opportunities to speak your love, empower and inspire me to do just that. Give me eyes for people and a heart of compassion.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
You always say what I need to hear. Thank you!