Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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ACTIVENESS IN THE MIDST OF LIMITATION

Acts 3:1-10
 Peter and John gazed at him and said, “Look at us.” He fixed his attention on them...But Peter said, I have no silver and gold...in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:4/6)
Acts 3:1-10 narrates the healing of a lame man. He was carried by a group of people whom they laid at the gate of the temple to ask alms of those entering the temple. When Peter and John came to the temple, the man asked for alms as usual. But they refused alms for him. Instead of giving alms, they gazed at them with a love of heart, care and concern. Hence their response was very different. They said “Look at us”; looking at the disciples was a creative movement of the lame man towards healing. Healing is the celebration of the creativeness of God.
Listening and Looking as a creative activity
Lame man was confined to a lot of limitations. He cannot move as other people do and he cannot live as other people live. Even if his movement was restricted he responded to the call of the disciples. The words of the disciples became a creative word for him. He rose up in the name of “Jesus Christ”; Jesus Christ the incarnated word became word of empowerment for him. He was transformed from the inactive stage to a stage of realization of the presence of Crucified and resurrected Jesus. Realizing the divine presence was an experience of resurrection for him. Listening and looking the disciples lead him to an experience of new life in Christ.
Witness in Worship as a creative activity
The healed man walks with Peter and John and entered the temple. He entered into a new fellowship, fellowship into the apostolic faith. Fellowship is a journey which can transform our own faith and convictions. His participation in the fellowship and worship transformed his self. When he was lame, he was excluded from the fellowship and worship. He had to remain outside of the temple space. He was not allowed to enter the temple. But his, in Christ experience made him to participate and partake in the divine fellowship and worship. His life in Christ enabled and empowered him to become a creative witness in worship.

Prayer: O Lord, enable us to realize your creativity in the midst of our limitations. Amen

Rev. Shibi Varghese











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