Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 The Christian Approach for The Differently Abled 


 Acts 9:30-35
 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 

 
Did you know that currently in the world today there are approximately 1 billion today that deal with some form of disability? World Bank Director Uwi Basaninyenzi goes on to mention that amongst that demographic, about 15% deal with significant levels of disability that affect their daily living. What is our responsibility in serving the differently-abled, and how do these situations fit within our Christian framework? As we read in Acts 9 today, we see how the early disciples of the church display the power of God in healing the sick and disabled. 
    The early church was being persecuted daily by Jewish people who were against the message of Jesus and enjoyed the power of Rome as we see in the passage. In Acts 7, Stephen was murdered by his fellow people and it had scattered much of the church. Acts annotate much of the journey of the disciples of Jesus, and the passage starts with Barnabas protecting the man known as Saul who was converted. Saul’s life was threatened for preaching the gospel, which was a miracle in itself because in chapter 7 he approved Stephen’s murder for doing this! The church would then see a small time of peace and grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 It then moves into Peter going through a town called Lydda where he sees a man named Aeneas. Peter like many who were empowered by the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, had been preaching the message of Jesus Christ. The differently-abled in that time were barely acknowledged as human beings in that time and considered outcasts. Yet we see here Peter comes to Aeneas and tells him that Jesus heals you and to walk. Aeneas is noted as getting up immediately- what an incredible sight! We read later on that many believed because the work had been done. Here we see the power of God working through a messenger of the gospel and God using brokenness to shed light on the ultimate message- Jesus is Lord and He restores; follow Him. 
What is our responsibility to this part of the population? Some of us may know or have family members who deal with disabilities of some form. Some of you may say I don’t think the Holy Spirit has given me the capability of healing people. First and foremost prayer is powerful and an acknowledgment of our peers. It is the power of God that heals us and we should ask God to meet their needs and bring peace. We saw it in the passage here how just speaking His name heals. Secondly acknowledging them and being with them in service, resources, or our time is a gift to them and for us. We have not been blessed by God just to sit around and selfishly enjoy it. In my job for the state of NY, I work every day with the differently-abled in a critical care unit. I have been blessed and humbled at my job in how they have endured and continued to each day. In the tough days, I’m reminded of how much God has given me to keep pushing through and the joy they have brought me. In the same way, we build our relationships, we should strive to see them as our brothers and sisters as it is our duty and blessing. May we shine like a city on a hill and move boldly to serve as Christ did. Blessings to you all. 
 

 
Prayer
 Lord I pray that we believe ever so firmly that you can heal and restore anyone, but above all, remember we have a responsibility to be your hands and feet in this world. Amen 
 



Thought of the day
 How can I be the hands and feet of God serving the differently-abled? Do I have a heart or care for those struggling with these issues? Why or Why not?
 



Arun Chacko
Staten Island Mar Thoma Church

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