April 26 I Friday

2 Samuel 23-24

Luke 19:1-27

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”    —Acts 2:43

The second resource Peter had was his giftedness. There are people who may think they are not gifted at all and are therefore exempt or excluded from being of service to God, but every Christian is a member of the body of Christ and is gifted by God in a way unique to each of them. Paul says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). He is talking about spiritual gifts, given to every Christian, that enables us to play a role within the body of Christ.

Peter had the gift of healing, and the people were filled with awe at the many wonders and signs done by the apostles. Peter’s shadow merely fell on the sick and they were healed. Why did the Christians who brought the sick to Peter not have the power to heal them? All the miracles Jesus performed were not ends in themselves but were signs that pointed to Him. After Pentecost, the gift of healing was an apostolic function, which gave evidence of apostolic ministry that led exclusively to Jesus Christ.

When Paul was defending his ministry to the Corinthian church, he wrote, “I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles” (2 Corinthians 12:12). In Ephesus, “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to those who were ill, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them” (Acts 19:11-12). Healing was inclusive in the apostolic ministry, but not exclusive, as others also had the gift of healing. The point is Peter recognized the area where God had gifted him. Had he not, he would never have said to the man at the temple gates, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” It was not only out of Peter’s godliness but out of his gift of healing that he knew he had something to give this man.

A true Christian always wants to serve God, but how do we know in which way He has gifted us? Usually, it is in areas we have an aptitude for. When we step out in faith and exercise our skills, which may take several attempts in different areas, others recognize how God has equipped us, and we will feel energized and motivated by it. Whether it is an inconspicuous, behind-the-scenes role or a prominent one, God has gifted every Christian in a way that will further His agenda.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help me to discern my gift and to develop it, so that it may be an effective and fruitful means of serving You. Thank You, Lord.