Our scene shifts to Peter, because “meanwhile,” all that was going on for Saul, Jesus’ ministry was going strong. Peter had two encounters with Jesus’ healing power; I can’t even imagine the thrill Peter was feeling. Knowing the power of the Holy Spirit was flowing, and the faithfulness of the people was growing, had to be so rewarding for this apostle.
Being used by the Holy Spirit for any mission elicits a joy of its own. The person of the Holy Spirit is not only a character in a book, but the Bible speaks of God’s power in a way that is accessible to us humans. That fact alone should cause us to pause and be amazed. God has thought of everything to give us for our success.
Remember that success isn’t necessarily how much money we have in our bank accounts or how far we’ve climbed the proverbial employment “ladder.” We achieve God-honoring success when we stay devoted to him even when it’s hard. Peter would have been living a life of uncertainty, moving from place to place. It would be easy to have some trepidation about that, but Peter knew the Holy Spirit was a power he could tap into, and he was energized to do it often.
For Aeneas and Tabitha, Peter’s obedience brought them relief from a life of disability and from death. Don’t let those verses just pass you by; really reflect on what that power and that faith accomplished in the name of Jesus.
We’re told that the Holy Spirit’s power that we have access to is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus’ resurrected body gives us the hope of our own resurrection one day. Romans 8:11 says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”
We love to see examples of the Holy Spirit at work. In our passage, we see only a glimpse at the moment of healing and restoration. Imagine all the conversations and worship that went on in those families and communities. When something like a miracle happens, the Holy Spirit is a lot more visible.
People talk. People start believing. We hope for that kind of awakening in our own day. We love it when we see the Holy Spirit coming alive for new believers at conferences. I’ll never forget the first time I saw someone just totally bow themselves to the power of God and be filled. God knew that those people needed an extra jolt of his power in that moment of their life.
We need to be seeking the Holy Spirit just as much as we seek Jesus. It’s really almost a package deal, until it’s not. The Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives is by the grace of God and our love for Jesus. You’ve probably noticed that the Holy Spirit was a gift that the new believers were just getting acquainted with. Kind of like us.
I rejoice with the people we met in this passage who now know Jesus on a much deeper, more personal level. Their bond is that the power of Jesus has just restored a friend or loved one. That’s quite an honor, isn’t it? We’re all given that invitation to receive the power and follow Jesus. All are welcome. An honor and privilege indeed!
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, your healing power is available to all. I thank you for that promise. Fill me with your Spirit so that I will be ready to do your will. Help me to make God-honoring decisions. Fill me with your wisdom as I face each new day’s challenge. Life is so much brighter with you by my side. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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