Now as Peter went here and there among them all…
Acts 9:32-43
We now return to Peter as he travels, eventually to Joppa, and encounters people along the way. One such encounter was in Lydda, where Christians lived and, visiting them, Peter meets a paralyzed man who had been bed-ridden for 8 years. After telling the man, Aeneas by name, that Jesus Christ heals him, Peter instructs Aeneas to rise and take his bed. This miracle confirmed Peter as a messenger of Christ and Peter’s message was the good news of the gospel which the people of Lydda and nearby Sharon heard of and saw the man and they all turned to believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Peter continues his journey, arriving in Joppa where he hears of a godly disciple, Dorcas, who had performed many good deeds and charity in the name of Christ. Unfortunately, Dorcas became ill and died. Some women, then sent for Peter to come immediately to Joppa. They cleaned Dorcas’ body and laid it in a bed waiting for Peter’s arrival. The two men, sent to give Peter the message to come quickly, accompany Peter to Joppa where he is taken immediately to the room where Dorcas’ body laid. Peter had everybody to leave the room and he knelt beside Dorcas’ body, praying, and saying to her body, “Dorcas, arise.” Dorcas opened her eyes, seeing Peter, she sat up. Peter helped her to stand and presented Dorcas, alive, to all her friends who had been praying for her. Because of what Peter had done by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ, many people in Joppa became believers that same day. Peter was a man who, only weeks earlier had denied his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and now, is being used mightily by Jesus Christ to bring salvation to many people. Christians, if any of you has fallen into sin and departed from your Savior and Lord Jesus, let Peter be the encouragement you need to return to your Lord. All Christians in this world are sinners saved by grace. Not one of us lives a sinless life on this earth. It is not possible! But, we have a Savior who loves us, cares for each of us and, seeks us when we stray from the fold to bring us back to Him that He may cleanse us of our sin and place us in with the other sheep of His fold. Do not allow sin to make you think you are no longer worthy. Jesus will welcome you back into His loving arms!
Source: S C Ball June 22, 2023
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