The Greater Story: Redemption

CONSIDER THIS

What’s the first thing Peter tells the paralyzed man to do after he is healed? Arise and make your bed. Imagine that. The man hasn’t made his bed for eight years. Bedridden. Isolated. Broken. He couldn’t even turn over in bed. Peter tells him, “Jesus heals you! Now make your bed.” And he did it — jumped right out of bed! People noticed.

And then there’s Tabitha, a beloved woman in her community, who excelled at doing good things for others, putting her love and faith in action, serving whole-heartedly. She becomes sick and dies. Enter Peter. He remembers when Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter — and uses the same words, “Tabitha, cumi.” She opens her eyes and sits up! She’s alive! People noticed.

News spread. Residents heard about it and could see with their own eyes Aeneas and Tabitha walking around — and they turned and believed in the Lord. These two stories are much more than an account of miracles. Their lives, their suffering, their victories — all point to a greater story, of a glimpse of God’s Kingdom, the way things will one day be for all who trust in Jesus.

Our lives are a testimony, too. Let’s live so everyone can see Jesus is triumphant as our Savior, Healer, and Redeemer — and will want to turn to Him and believe.