Defining the Work of the Church

Scripture: And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Acts 3:2-3

Observation: The story of this beggar is best known for what is about to happen to him ... specifically, his is about to represent the first miraculous healing of a person afflicted from birth NOT by Jesus, but by believers of Jesus, powered by the Holy Spirit exercising that power in Jesus' name. However, there are three characteristics of this person both stated and implied that add to the story.

First, the beggar is very often at the temple. He has people who bring him to the gate every day, and once healed everyone inside the temple recognizes him. This has been his routine for many years. Second, he is bold enough to be noticed. While he may avoid eye contact with Peter and John, he explicitly asks them for alms. Again, he is bold enough that he is recognized by everyone, meaning they take time to see him every day.

These are two stated characteristics, but the implicit third item is ... he was very likely seen by - and yet NOT healed by - Jesus. Jesus entered the temple often, and given the first two observations, this man was there when Jesus and his disciples entered, and asked them for alms. Many times Jesus healed people in these circumstances, yet he did not heal this man.

The most basic reason might be the correct - and deepest - reason. Jesus did not heal this man so that the disciples would be able to heal him instead. Jesus could have done so, but he left behind work for his disciples to do. By leaving one person who was both highly visible, and also in need of a miracle that was indicative of messianic authority, Jesus created a scenario where his believers would successfully continue his work, and do so with great visibility to others.

Jesus effectively provided the scenario that would to prove to both his believers and to others that the work of Messiah was now the work of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Application: Jesus told us his mission ... to show God's love to all, and to provide the way to eternal salvation through faith in him. He then very clearly showed us that this mission is now the mission of every believer, as the universal Church, and that we have the tools, power, and authority to pursue that mission.

I don't even need to ask the next question of myself ... I am not doing so well at this mission. I absolutely fail to love others and show them God's love. I try to show them Jesus, but not often very explicitly. And I sure am not taking any action to heal anyone from any issues in their lives, let alone healing life-long cripples.

The definition of a church of believers is a group whose faith is in Jesus as Messiah. However, the work of the Church - and of all believers - is to take up the mission of Jesus as Messiah. I am falling short of this work.

Prayer: Lord, again I ask today, may I have more of your Spirit within me. I do desire to find your love of others within my heart. I have so long conditioned my heart otherwise, so I ask for your action because I struggle to make the change on my own. May I do your work. Amen.