![]() ![]() To whom will you be a Godsend this week?ĭavid Faust serves as the Associate Minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.īased on International Sunday School Lesson, © 2013, by the Lesson Committee. The Lord sent Peter and John to preach and serve in his name, and he sends us too. The greatest Godsend of all is the Messiah, Jesus, who brings refreshment to this battered earth (Acts 3:20). ![]() Do we ever assume that money and physical health are our greatest needs? Do we focus on the blessings themselves instead of recognizing God’s hand behind them? When we experience good things-an unexpected check in the mail, a new job, a smooth recovery from illness, the kindness of a friend-let’s be grateful to the Father who sent these gifts. I have some things in common with that crippled beggar. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” (3:16). ![]() Peter insisted, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. Their mission was to introduce others to the Lord who sent the miracle. They didn’t even want to focus on the miracle itself. Peter and John didn’t want the crowd’s attention directed toward them. Even the church’s enemies couldn’t deny the reality of the miracle God sent (v. Standing on his own two feet for the first time in a life spanning four decades, the man walked, jumped, and leaped exuberantly, producing astonished gasps from the crowd. God sent miraculous power, and the man’s feet and ankles, lame and useless from birth, snapped into place with sudden strength. When God sent Peter and John his way, the fellow hoped they might give him silver or gold, but the apostles had a better blessing to offer: healing in Jesus’ name. Crippled from birth and now over 40 years old (Acts 4:22), he relied on friends to carry him to the temple every day so he could beg for money from those who came to worship. Day after day he occupied a familiar spot near the temple gate called Beautiful, but not everything was beautiful in his life. The beggar described in Acts chapter 3 must have considered Peter and John a Godsend. Godsends remind us that the Lord is for us, not against us. We can’t always trace his hand, but we trust his heart and thank God for his providential care. The heavenly Father delights in sending “good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11). Timely blessings are Godsends, not just random bits of good fortune. It may be grammatically incorrect to capitalize godsend, but it’s theologically advisable. An unexpected check arrives in the mail just in time to cover a worrisome bill. An unsolicited job offer comes soon after your employer decides to downsize. A friend’s support makes a crisis more bearable. What does a godsend look like? A nurse provides exceptional care during a hospital stay. The dictionary defines a godsend as “something good that happens unexpectedly and at a time when it is especially needed.” Do you ever refer to someone as a godsend? The term describes a blessing that comes at an opportune moment. ![]()
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