In Lystra sat a man who could not use his feet, lame from birth, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he was speaking. When Paul stared intently at him and saw he had faith to be healed, he said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And the man leaped up and began walking.
Acts 14:8-10 NET
I love this story. There’s a lot to be learned from a day in Lystra:
- Apparently Paul’s message had content that brought faith for healing. Good preaching is not just information. It includes impartation and inspiration leading to transformation.
- I’m sure the lame man’s usual activity, especially when crowds gathered, was to beg. But on this day, he was smart enough to pay attention. Don’t let your usual way of thinking get in the way of what you’re hearing. Listen!
- Paul looked closely at this guy. This was more than a quick look around the crowd. We’ve all been there — looking but not really seeing. It’s important to look at people, acknowledge their existence and their importance to God, and entertain the possibility that there may be more there than meets the eye.
- Paul saw something, not some physical characteristic, but a revelation of the contents of a heart. He was paying attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit during a sermon. Don’t ever think that your eloquence or your outline is more important than the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God can do more in an instant than sermons can do in a lifetime.
- This guy had faith, but he was still lame. Paul’s bold command motivated him to take action based on his faith. The result was a miracle.
So, it’s Sunday. How about a Lystra kind of day? God wants to do things you can’t imagine in your service today. He just needs someone to cooperate.
If you’re preaching, preach faith-building content that moves people toward miracles. Look at the people before you as precious treasures purchased by the blood of Jesus, opportunities for God to show Himself strong. Even in the midst of your best sermon, pay attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Follow His lead and let God be God.
If you’re part of the congregation, look past your usual Sunday concerns. Rise above the necessities of your own lameness and listen to what God is saying. He wants to speak to you. When you find yourself nodding along to the message, think about taking a bold step and acting like you believe. Put some feet to your faith and let’s see what happens.
pastorvirgil.com 