Saturday, April 20, 2024
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Peter and Paul
The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace.
It’s amazing what good a little relenting from murderous threats and midnight arrests can do. Jesus is a peaceful man; his bride the Church is also at peace. At least for this time, in this place.
Saul hasn’t yet begun to call himself Paul. He left Damascus for the desert and small towns of Jordan (Arabia), where he spent three years (Gal 1:17-22). Maybe he was learning to make tents. Peter and the other apostles set out on their own journeys, full of preaching and healing and persecution – then Paul began his three missionary trips through Greece.
As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda, ten miles northwest of Jerusalem.
All the apostles walked, rarely rode on horses or in chariots. Peter did a lot of walking, far more than 10,000 steps a day. He was leader, so he walked the most.
I remember during the more political season of my life, fifty plus years ago, I did my own share of walking, mostly in Milwaukee before the 1968 Wisconsin Primary, campaigning for Democratic Senator Eugene McCarthy, who was a poet and a candidate for president.
Peter’s savior Jesus Christ sent him out into “every region,” but when he knocked on doors he preached freedom and healing. And when a new friend invited him indoors to pray, often for someone sick, his prayers availed much.
Aeneas was paralyzed and confined to his bed for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Aeneas got up at once.
In the book of Acts Luke tells the stories of both Peter and Paul. And now both of them loved Jesus. They rejoiced to be called by their Father and by God’s son, and both were filled with the Holy Spirit. I imagine that even at a distance their love for God and for each other somehow got through.
I often text Chris, Marc or Andi just to see how they are doing. No texting in 35 AD, of course. Letters took time to compose and write. Those folks spoke face-to-face, mostly. Peter probably did not meet Paul for years after his conversion on the road to Damascus. But he heard about it, he heard it face to face, and when he heard he rejoiced. Peter wasted no time over-thinking things, and what doubts he had about other Christians disappeared like fog on a sunny morning in San Francisco. Quick and easy.
Which made Peter a quick study for following the example of Jesus. Even in raising the dead.
The disciples asked, “Peter, please come to us without delay.” Tabitha (Dorcas) has died.” When he arrived, all the widows wept and showed him the cloaks she had made for them. Peter sent them all out, knelt down and prayed. He turned to the woman’s body and said, “Tabitha, arise.”
The Bible keeps its words simple.
Tabitha opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He called the holy ones and widows and presented Tabitha alive.
He and Saul had the one thing in common: although not so violently as Saul, Peter denied Jesus. Three times. Peter and Paul (Saul) surely found themselves on their knees over and over, thanking God for his patience and forgiveness.
Simon Peter answered Jesus, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
Paul’s words in letter after letter echoed Peter’s conviction. Both of them had so much to be thankful for.
How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
#
