Greetings
I pray it is well with you and yours. Please carefully feast on today’s Holy Nougat
“But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Acts 10:26 ASV
A caution to each of us when we come into our own; remember that truly we are humans regardless what the world might suggest. It is so easy; too easy as a matter of fact, to get caught up in the ‘hype’ of immortality which accompanies success. We find our popularity increases and what we say may hold some sway and others may even wish to emulate us. And before we know it, someone decides we’re their ‘idol’. It happens in both secular and ecclesial settings – with pop stars, movie icons, sports personalities (check the World Cup greats for example), political and community leaders as well as pastors and other church leaders. In fact, it even happened to Peter.
There he was, minding his own business (which for him would have included God’s plans for his life) and Peter gets invited to effect a miracle, thus revealing God’s glory. In gratitude, the restored man falls at Peter’s feet. Peter’s response is instructive – he deflected the praise being offered and returned the praise to God! We are called to do likewise.
Just that. Avoid the push to become idolized and focus instead on the push to glorify God. Which is what Elijah did when Naaman got healed. And what Paul intimates when he said follow him as he followed Christ. Which is what we are called daily to do.
May God’s grace sustain each of us in humility and love.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
