Sunday Supernaturally: There He Found a Man

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Acts 9:32-35 ESV

Peter was on a tour visiting Christian outposts north and west of Jerusalem. He was apparently on his way to Joppa, where he would raise a dead woman and then have a vision that would lead him to the house of Cornelius and the conversion of the Gentiles. He stopped in Lydda to visit the believers there. During this stop he healed Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden for 8 years.

To me, the most interesting thing about this story is its almost casual presentation. Sure, it’s wonderful that he was healed and that the city responded to the gospel. But this episode in Peter’s travels is recorded between the outpouring in Samaria with Philip, the historic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the raising of the dead at Joppa, and the opening of the gospel to Gentiles with Cornelius. Why does Luke choose to include the story of the healing of a man we don’t know and never hear of again in a place that has no major history or mention? I don’t know, but I have a few thoughts:

• Miracles can happen without a service or a fiery sermon. God does things for reasons that you may not know. He can use you right where you are.
• Luke doesn’t tell us why Peter saw fit to heal this man. Did he have a word of knowledge? Did the anointing suddenly come upon him? Was he just moved with compassion? We don’t know. It seems clear that something prompted him, and he responded.
• When you’re just going about your business and life seems dull, be alert. Opportunities for glory may be right in front of you.

Here’s the point: Today is Sunday. For many of us, we will do what we do on Sunday, go through the routine. Let’s add a dash of expectation to that routine. Let’s gather with the saints expecting God to move. In fact, be willing to let Him move you. He doesn’t need your wit or wisdom, just your availability. I love the way Luke said it, “There he found a man…” Be watchful and see what you find today.