A Spark Becomes A Fire - Aeneas

Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up, and roll up your sleeping mat!” And he was healed instantly.

Acts 9:34

It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon everyone around can warm up near its flames.

The old folk chorus “Pass It On” might seem like just a nice campfire song for summer camp, but a brief focus on the lyrics may help us to understand the nature of God’s love.

Even the smallest demonstration of that love, the song tells us, can start something that spreads far beyond what we expect or pray for. A bedridden paralytic named Aeneas made that discovery in his hometown of ancient Lydda.

Aeneas had no reason to believe that his miserable lot in life would ever change. After eight years, he had probably resigned himself to life as a beggar. One day, however, he had an encounter with Jesus through Peter’s ministry, as the apostle traveled from town to town preaching and healing people in Christ’s name.

Peter spent only a few moments with Aeneas, but those precious seconds totally changed the man’s life. “Jesus Christ heals you!” Peter said, “Get up! Roll up your sleeping mat!”

After nothing but a verbal command in Jesus’ name, Aeneas suddenly felt his body grow strong and whole. As Peter had commanded him, he got up, rolled up his mat, and began walking.

Any encounter with Jesus Christ that so radically changes a man will get people’s attention. When the people of Lydda saw Aeneas walking, they knew whom to thank, and all of them turned to the Lord (see Acts 9:35).

The spark had become a fire!

People around you need to see God’s power working in your life. You could be the spark that ignites a great spiritual fire! Humbly ask God to do something great in your life. Then look for ways to focus attention on the Lord’s goodness. He is willing to forgive and restore anyone who comes to him in faith.