True Witnesses

Acts 9:32-35  As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.  
 
WHAT was Peter doing? We can answer the question in two ways. First we can list his actions: traveling about Israel, visiting the saints in Lydda (Christians were called saints meaning those set apart for Jesus.), evangelizing the gospel and healing as the Lord allowed. Peter was moving from place to place. Many of you do this in your ministry.
   There is a second answer to, “What was Peter doing?” Peter was doing what he saw Jesus do.
   Jesus had called Peter and the others, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) We learn in the gospels that the disciples and especially Peter experienced many difficulties as they worked to learn how to truly follow Jesus. But over three years and through the Spirit’s power, Peter listened to this Master. He heard Jesus affirm Peter’s faith. And Peter heard Jesus’ rebuke for his lack of faith. When we listen to Jesus’ confirmations and corrections, we learn how to follow him.
   Peter also watched what Jesus did. He witnessed the miracles and even followed Jesus onto the water (Matthew 14:29). Peter learned to follow Jesus into God’s power come to earth.
   Peter walked many miles to do as Jesus had done. This scripture tells us he went to Lydda, a mostly Gentile city about 25 miles (40 kilometers)  from Jerusalem. Peter ministered in Jesus’ pattern, walking about , preaching, teaching and healing in God’s power. Peter became a true apostle – a messenger for the Most High God.
   Do you see a second messenger in this passage? He is Aeneas, the healed man. What did he do? Aeneas got up. He walked around Lydda and a neighboring town, Sharon. Do you think Aeneas kept quiet about his healed, restored life? Would you keep quiet if Jesus healed you of a longtime handicap? Aeneas became Jesus’ witness, too. Many people in these towns heard his testimony and saw him and turned to the Lord.
   How has Jesus changed you? You may not have such dramatic change in your life as Peter or Aeneas, but when you confess Jesus, “Lord of my life.” his salvation has made you new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Jesus wants your new life to be a witness to the world. Be a true witness, so you can help others turn to the Lord.