Monday 11 May 2009

Background

Paul and Barnabas, having been commissioned by the Church atAntioch, are on their first missionary journey in what is nowmodern Turkey. So far they have been having a mixed reception fromboth the Jewish and Gentile (non-Jewish) communities. There is bothkeen interest in the good news about Jesus and also strongopposition.

Being alerted to a possible stoning, Paul and Barnabas flee toLystra and Derbe (also in Turkey) but continue to proclaim the goodnews. One of the reasons for the keen interest in the good newsabout Jesus was the accompanying miraculous signs. Luke, who was adoctor, Paul's travelling companion and author of Acts, details onesuch occurrence. Note the difficulty of the cure. The man inquestion is described as: "sitting" (implication - unable tostand), "could not use his feet", "had never walked", and "had beencrippled from birth". In summary, a hopeless case!

But something is happening. Luke observes the man "listened toPaul". Now this is more than just a casual or polite interest in avisiting speaker. Paul's words, through the Spirit's empowering,were bringing to life a believing faith. So much so that Paul could'see' this faith in his eyes and facial expression, and boldly ("ina loud voice") declares, "Stand upright on your feet". And whathappens? The man sprang up and began to walk!

Now you may be sceptical about healing. You may have been presentat a healing service where the preacher identifies a commonillness, such as back pain, and invites people to come forward forprayer. Afterwards there are testimonies, but sometimes not veryconvincing, and there can be a suspicion that nothing much hashappened.

But this is different. There can be no doubt about the difficultyof the cure or the dramatic healing. (The superstitious crowdsuppose that Paul and Barnabas must be gods for this to havehappened.) But the reality was that the power of God's Spirit wasat work through Paul to heal. The preaching of the good news of therisen Christ led to faith, and the faith brought healing.

To Ponder

When facing opposition to what you believe isright, do you continue undeterred? Or do you stop? Why?

In what ways has the good news of Jesus touched,changed or transformed your life?

Where does prayer for healing fit into your lifeexperience? Have you ruled it out as superstition or deception, orare you open to be prayed for and to pray for others?