the day by Christian Education Forum
Proclamation and Acts of the Kingdom of God
Bible portion:Acts 19: 8-12
V11” God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them”.
Devotion
What is in a name? Are they prophetic about our Character and Calling? A name is a universal phenomenon. A name is a universal phenomenon even for our pets. Imagine you are at an airport, and you hear an announcement “Mr. Thomas, please come to the check-in counter.” Clearly, you will not respond. What if the announcement was a little more specific, “Mr. Thomas Mathew, please come to the check-in counter?” You might hesitate, but most likely you will get up and walk to the check-in counter. At least you want to make sure it is not your name that was just called. Now what if the announcement is very specific, “Mr. Thomas Mathew along with your family name?” Without wasting any time, you certainly will rush to the counter.
A name with specific details is a clear identifier. The specificity of your name not just identifies you, but also separates you from others. It distinguishes you by your values, your character, individuality, and your personality as well. To identify you by your values and character is more than a name. As a Christian, the characteristics that distinguish you from others should be your faith, your actions, and your relationship with others.
When Paul healed it was not Paul as a person that had the power to heal, but God allowed extraordinary miracles through Paul. Paul's identity was exemplified in his relationship with God.
The book of Acts, chapter 19: 8-12 tries to distinguish Paul. What makes Paul different is that even the handkerchief and aprons he used were enough for people to be healed. My time at the CSI Parkal Mission in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India gave me a first-hand experience of people’s belief in that type of healing power. In Malayalam we often hear the word "kaipunayam" which roughly translates to “the gift of healing touch.” It literally means people often want and believe that if you give medicine with your own hands they will be healed.
Paul undergoes a similar experience. The power of healing is beyond the art and science of medicine. As you read later in this chapter you will read that other Jews tried to mimic Paul in healing. In this chapter, we read, “One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” A thought-provoking question that reveals to us the power of a name. It is not any Paul, but “A Paul” who is clearly distinguished by his faith identity with God. That faith and relationship with God is what distinguishes Paul and makes him transformative.
1. How will your name identify you?
2. What is your identity that distinguishes you from others?
3. How will your name and identity transform other people who interact with you?
4. What aspects of your identity make you powerful and transformative?
A name with specific details is a clear identifier. The specificity of your name not just identifies you, but also separates you from others. It distinguishes you by your values, your character, individuality, and your personality as well. To identify you by your values and character is more than a name. As a Christian, the characteristics that distinguish you from others should be your faith, your actions, and your relationship with others.
When Paul healed it was not Paul as a person that had the power to heal, but God allowed extraordinary miracles through Paul. Paul's identity was exemplified in his relationship with God.
The book of Acts, chapter 19: 8-12 tries to distinguish Paul. What makes Paul different is that even the handkerchief and aprons he used were enough for people to be healed. My time at the CSI Parkal Mission in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India gave me a first-hand experience of people’s belief in that type of healing power. In Malayalam we often hear the word "kaipunayam" which roughly translates to “the gift of healing touch.” It literally means people often want and believe that if you give medicine with your own hands they will be healed.
Paul undergoes a similar experience. The power of healing is beyond the art and science of medicine. As you read later in this chapter you will read that other Jews tried to mimic Paul in healing. In this chapter, we read, “One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” A thought-provoking question that reveals to us the power of a name. It is not any Paul, but “A Paul” who is clearly distinguished by his faith identity with God. That faith and relationship with God is what distinguishes Paul and makes him transformative.
1. How will your name identify you?
2. What is your identity that distinguishes you from others?
3. How will your name and identity transform other people who interact with you?
4. What aspects of your identity make you powerful and transformative?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us a name that not only identifies our individuality, but most importantly our relationship with you that transforms us and the people we relate with in our daily lives.
Thought for the Day
Proverbs: A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Dr. Dennis Cherian
MTC Greater Washington.
MTC Greater Washington.