Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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  Jesus Christ who Heals

Acts 3:11-16
V.16 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”
 
Acts Chapter 3 covers the story of Peter and John healing a lame man near the Temple. This man was unable to walk properly from birth, so his friends would carry him to the temple gates to beg for money. It wasn’t until Peter and John came and healed him. People were astonished at what had taken place.

Peter follows the event in verse 12 by saying: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you?”. Notice that he refers to the crowd as Israelites. God’s chosen people. In doing this Peter is also reminding the crowd of the power of believing in Jesus. That they are all witnesses to His good deeds. He tells God’s people that it is through Jesus that man has been healed. Jesus' grace is not reserved for a special group of people but is freely given to all who believe in Him. 

Despite feeling tired and weighed down by this world, God continues to carry us on his shoulders, as did Jesus when He carried the cross. His only son was sacrificed so that we would find the confidence to walk again. Through faith, humility, and knowing Jesus, we must open our eyes to recognize our humanness. We are healed because he shed his blood for us. We are now made new. 
 
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that no obstacle is too big for us to see you. You are the ultimate healer and the ultimate seeker. Please Lord, find us where we are and continue to carry us, and gradually give us the confidence to walk with you as well. Let us go into this world knowing that we were hand-picked even before we were born to be a witness to your love, mercy, and goodness, Lord. Continue to break us down, and rebuild us to look more like you. Heal us of the wounds we’ve caused ourselves when we pushed you away. Thank you for always fighting for us, and giving us what we need–even when we don’t want to see or hear it. Forgive us for we don’t know better, Lord, and continue to make us brand new. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
 
Thought for the day
What are ways we can reflect on God and heal those around us? 
 
Leah Varughis 
Chicago Mar Thoma Church, IL
 
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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