01/01/2015 - THE MESSAGE THAT IS MISSING

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And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. Acts 9.34

Peter put into practice what he learned from Jesus. For the apostle, God’s gift was irrevocable and would always operate whenever he acted as he had been taught. In the healing of the lame man, for example, who stood at the gate of the temple– called Beautiful – he simply ordered the man to stand up and walk (Ac 3.2-6). Thus, Peter not only learned to order the blessing, but also to consecrate himself in prayer.

Today, what we learn from the Most High also has the same power that operated in Peter’s days. The problem is when we do not believe in the right way, for that ex-fisher did not have a slight doubt that the Master’s words would be confirmed. After all, he had already been rebuked when he walked over waters, obeying the voice of the Lord, but then doubting (Mt 14.29-31). Later, he became conscious that no word of God is empty in power.

Peter did not fear before the Jewish authorities, who prohibited him to speak in the Name of Jesus. This assurance made those leaders marvel, and when they were informed that he was an unlearned man, they were even more surprised. What makes the difference in us is the certainty that the Lord is with us to fulfill what He has promised. Therefore, be in communion with God, and whenever you feel the divine direction, do not retreat.

Peter was going towards the saved people who lived in Lydda. Undoubtedly, those beloved brethren were happy with his visit, since for them it meant more godly operations. Certainly, they were not disappointed, for they immediately saw the faith of a servant of the Most High in action. Peter told Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, that Jesus could heal him. Then, after he received the order of the apostle, Aeneas walked.

Are we really doing the work of God in our days? How many times does the Holy Spirit has to make us understand that it is our responsibility to heal the sick and set free the oppressed? The way that we believe makes all the difference. If the preacher is disconnected from God, even if he may not be in sin, the divine power will not attend his determination. Then, why should we live far away from He who is our Helper?

Both the inhabitants of Lydda and Sarona – a city that was near Lydda – saw what happened with Aeneas and were converted. This is the kind of servant that the Church needs nowadays. We do not need philosophers, religious and conceited people, and all the other who are faithless and powerless. The Church needs men and women that walk with God and do His will all the time.

This was the message that was missing for those brethren to be able to gain that city. In our case, the same should happen! We will not reach the lost, even if we make a lot of propaganda, if we make fun of the faith that people have in their religions. What will make the difference is the preaching of the Gospel, by the power of the Holy Spirit, with miracles, wonders, and signs.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares