Nougat 12

As believers, we are called to rejoice with others when their seasons shift. This is stated in Romans 12, which tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We see this demonstrated by the crowd who were witnesses to the healing of the paralysed man. They were all happy for him and praising God for his healing. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 4:21-22 CEVDCI

[21-22] The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than 40 years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.

Proof Positive

It was a false arrest.

The religious leaders realised that they didn’t really have anything solid to justify an arrest so they released Peter and John. Their plan may have backfired, since many people would have known what Peter and John had done. It is unlikely that they would keep the news to themselves. Peter and John’s response to Annas and Caiaphas suggests that if others needed healing, the apostles would not refuse them. Of course, that is mostly speculation.

What is perhaps most telling, is the people’s response to the lame man’s healing. Knowing his back story, that he had been paralysed for forty years, they all rejoiced. Interestingly, the joy was directed at God, not at Peter or John.

Self-Check

To what extent do we place our faith in God rather than the human who manifested a miracle in our lives?

Application

The Gospel message was carried on the fact of the miracle. What Peter and John said was heard in relation to the healing. In John 4, we recall the Samaritan woman’s community stating that they went to meet Jesus based on her testimony. However, their belief in Y’shua was based on the encounter. The man’s healing was what led the people to praise God. They rejoiced in the lame man’s transformation.

We are called to the ministry of healing and reconciliation upon acceptance of Christ’s lordship over our lives. It stands to reason then, that we would celebrate God’s intervention in the lives of others. As Romans 12:15 says, we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. More so, when it is clear that God orchestrated the reason for the person’s joy.

As we rejoice with others in their transformation, let us also ensure that God gets the glory. And, if we are the recipients of a miracle, I pray that we remember to glorify God in the telling.

Point to Ponder

If persons of influence disapprove of God’s intervention in someone’s circumstances, that does not negate our call to celebrate with them.

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May all we seek be found in Christ