Scripture: Acts 4:9-10 – “…if we are being questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are being asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead.” (NRSVUE)
If I asked you what kind of people deserved your help, you would probably say everyone. If I asked you what means you should use to help someone, you would say any means that you can. I am assuming that the people who are reading this are strong in their faith in God.
But helping the wrong person in the wrong way can get you into trouble. One afternoon not long after the first Pentecost, Peter and John were walking near the temple when they saw a man “lame from birth” being placed at a gate to the temple so he could beg for alms. Peter and John had no money to give him, but they had the power of their faith in Jesus. Peter said, “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” This caused an astonishment in the crowd and Peter explained that the power came from Jesus, the man they had crucified. For criticizing the people and the authorities for their rejection of Jesus, Peter and John were arrested and placed before a tribunal. Peter asked them why healing someone, even in the name of Jesus, was worthy of arrest and harassment.
The answer was that Peter did things the wrong way, at least in the eyes of the powerful council. The man who was born lame likely had sinful parents, and his disability was a punishment from God meant to inspire others to avoid sin. Moreover, by begging outside at the gate, he was participating in the charity system established by the Temple. Peter had healed the wrong person, a sinner, in the wrong way, by going behind the back of those in charge.
But that system was not working. The man suffered day after day, even as his friends placed him in a place to properly beg. Peter and John healed him through the power of Jesus, a new way for a new age.
In our lives, there is that sense of the wrong way of doing things. Sometimes this is because our zeal for charity can lead to unintended consequences. But often it is because it challenges the power of someone else.
From this story, we learn not to be afraid of upsetting people, even if we love in unacceptable ways. Through faith, we know love is never wrong. So, when you see someone in need, when you see a problem that you can help with, do what you can in Jesus’ name. Do not fear retribution, for Jesus will be with you. The more love we share, the more love is seen all around us.
Prayer: Dear God, make me a vessel of charity and justice. Grant me courage when I am afraid and hope when I am resisted. I place all my faith in you. Amen.
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