Tag: Acts 14:8-12
Stand upright!
Scripture reading for May 23: Acts 14
“Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “the gods have come down to us in the likeness of these men.”” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.” Acts 14:8-12
Paul and Barnabas next went to Lystra and began ministry. At their meeting there was a man lame from birth, having never walked. As he preached, Paul received a word of knowledge from the Holy Spirit that this man had faith to receive healing. Paul focused his attention on the man and made a simple statement: “Stand upright on your feet.” In faith, the man stood up, doing what he was never able to do before. His world view was drastically changed through obedience and faith!
This healing caught everyone’s attention! The people were involved in idolatry in their city. Their world view had them conclude that their gods, Zeus and Hermes, had come down in the form of these men. The idolatrous priests sought to bring sacrifices and worship Paul and Barnabas. But the Apostles tore their clothes and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ, the living God and Creator of heaven and earth. Their desire was to help each person escape from the grip of idolatry that had held them from birth and see them enter a new heavenly world view with eternal life. They too could “stand up and walk”!
How has your past view of the world and God limited your ability to function to your fullest in this life? How did God challenge your limited world view with new possibilities? Do you think that God could use you to speak words of healing and life over those in your life who are spiritually or physically disabled?
Prayer: Father God, I thank You that with You all things are possible to those who believe. Help me to grow in faith and obedience to Your leading so that I might be used to bring the Good News of Your love and mercy to those in my circle of influence. May all stand up and walk with You! Amen.