In this study of Acts, we have learned about some truly
amazing things that happened through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we read through all these amazing stories,
it’s tempting to put them in a box on our spiritual shelves labeled, “Cool
Things That Used To Happen.” It seems
like today, it’s a lot harder to find these kinds of stories. I mean, Phillip just happens to be right
where the eunuch is passing while reading a scripture prophesying the messiah? Really?
But I believe that the stories in Acts are not there for us
to marvel at what God used to do. They
are there to demonstrate to us the kind of awesome power that is at our
disposal when we walk with Christ. The problem
with us “modern” Christians is that we have a hard time seeing these things
happen in our world. When we do hear
stories of God’s amazing power at work, we are “amazed.” But we shouldn’t be amazed that God is alive
and active and working to redeem His creation.
It’s the entire story of the bible!
One of our problems is that we are so busy astounding
ourselves with what WE can do, that we don’t leave room to see what God can
do. The amazing ingenuity of mankind
that brings us technological advancements and modern conveniences can sometimes
be a blanket over our heads that blinds us to what God is doing in the world.
Traveling to Kenya so much in the past few years has taught
me a lot. I am profoundly grateful that
God chose me to be born where and when I was.
You often hear people who have traveled oversees say they now realize
how blessed we are as Americans. There
are so many things we take for granted that bless our lives. All this is true. But when it comes to seeing the awesome power
of God on display, it helps to be without all of the things that can
prevent you from seeing the lost, broken people that God cares so much about.
In America, even our poor are wealthy in the eyes of the
rest of the world. When was the last
time you read a story in the paper about American refugees, living unrecognized
and uncared-for in a camp outside the city?
Yet in my few travels to Kenya, not only have I read about them, but I
have had the privilege of meeting them, and hearing their story of how God
actively orchestrated their physical salvation and spiritual salvation.
But not only is God still active in the world, He is using
His body, His church, to do his work.
Our involvement in Kenya would not have happened without the church,
both here and in Kenya. There was no
orphan’s work before the churches were planted there and there can’t be a
continuing orphans work without them.
God uses people to do His work on earth, and His church to bring His
people together.
Friends, believe me, the era of Acts is not
over. Acts is not a history as much is
it a book of examples of how God was, and is continuing to move heaven and
earth closer together through the power of His church. Our God is alive, AND involved! It just takes removing the blanket of our
“modern” existence to see His glory on display right where He said He would be,
in the eyes of His poor, hopeless, suffering children. I hope during this time of focusing on our
work in Kenya you get a peek from under the blanket of a God that truly cares.
- Tim Neale
