Acts 5:15-16
Sick people were brought out into
the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow would fall
across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem
suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and
every one of them was healed.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
This morning on ABC’s The View,
I watched Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal present a tribute to their
dear friend, Robin Williams, who left this earth two months ago.
Essentially, both comics described a person who “lit up a room” when he
entered. Just the mention of the name - “Robin Williams” – evokes
memories of hilarious routines, a favorite movie or television episode,
“Nanu! Nanu!”, and more. I am sure you have your favorites...but it’s
safe to assume that when you hear Robin Williams’ name, you can’t help
but smile. His effect on people was like that of a healing balm.
Greg
and I learned yesterday that a childhood friend of ours succumbed to
cancer. Sherman was something of our own personal “Robin Williams”. He
entered the doorway telling a hilarious story, and he left everyone
smiling – and sometimes shaking their heads in the context of “what just
happened?!” We can’t help but smile when we hear Sherman’s name. Just
the thought of our sweet friend makes us happy - even in his passing.
Here’s
how this passage about healing relates to the recollections of these
two men...we can easily understand how the thought of a brilliant, witty
comedian or friend is enough to make us smile. But we cannot
comprehend how the “passing shadow” of one of Christ’s disciples could
heal the sick and possessed. We cannot fathom being so filled with
Jesus that His healing power flows through us to the point that even our
walking past someone who is sick or in need could result in their
healing. Furthermore, we can’t imagine a faith so strong that we would
believe that falling underneath the shadow of such an anointed person
could result in making us well.
But this is exactly what happened.
What
does this all mean for us? Are we to begin seeking anointed healers –
or those who claim to be – and believing in their healing powers as
agents of Jesus? Are we to seek this power in our own lives? I don’t
believe that we will physically become able to heal the sick in Jesus’
name – although some would claim otherwise. For me, this passage says
two things: 1) do not underestimate Jesus’ ability and desire to use
you as His disciple – in whatever way He sees fit; and 2) grow your
faith in Christ’s “healing power” over your own life. In other words,
be ready and willing to reach out to others in Jesus’ name - wherever
and whenever He sends you. Trust in a God who is so powerful that His
healing power can flow through the shadow of a mere mortal and restore
another – if He so desires.
Live in such a way that the mention
of your name causes others to conjure a mental image of Jesus Christ
and His love and care. We can’t BE Jesus...but we can be more like
Him! And we can be servants that honor and glorify His name in all that
we do. Recognize the power of even a smile delivered to a stranger by
someone whose heart is filled with Jesus.
I thank God for the
joy that was Robin Williams and our friend Sherman...for the happiness
and brightness they brought to the lives of so many. You can cast a
“shadow” of the love of Christ over others...you really can - if you are
closely attuned to His word and will for your life. You can be the
“healing balm” that brightens another person’s day and “soothes their
soul” – if not their body. Time’s a wastin’! None of us is promised
tomorrow, so we need to get started! Learn to recognize Jesus’ power
and presence in your own life...discover how – and where – He wants you
to represent His love and care...and go “light up a room” in His name!
©2014 Debbie Robus
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