Written by Nate Warren
The Word
Aeneas Healed
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9:32-43 (emphasis mine)
Reflection
God performed a miraculous healing (through Peter), a person raised to life from the dead, for the first time in that town. As a result, everybody in town heard about it, and many put their faith in Jesus.
Application
The purpose of signs and wonders are to signal the presence of the Kingdom of God. If the Kingdom is not at work, there are no signs of it being there.
When someone with the eyes of faith witnesses something that is extraordinary and good, they will marvel. Many (but not all) marveled at the raising of Tabitha. Those who didn’t probably didn’t trust the word of the widows, for they were unreliable witnesses according to the culture.
God is somewhat shy to those who aren’t looking intently for Him, and we often only have eyes for what we can measure. In much of the world we bring expectations for empirical evidence to perceive a truth. This, by design, hinders our perception of the Kingdom.
Jesus says we will know Him in Spirit and in Truth. When we look carefully, we can perceive the signs. We will know Jesus, and we will know the Truth.
Prayer
Jesus, enable me to see the signs of Your Kingdom at work.
Amen
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