The Little People

As the ninth chapter of Acts begins to fade away, so does Saul of Tarsus who is on his way to becoming Paul the Apostle.  And as he fades, old Peter begins to take center stage for an act or two, maybe more.  As he did during the revival in Samaria, Peter goes back on the road to Lydda and Joppa.  In both of these coastal towns the power of the Holy Spirit is made known as he is used to heal a man paralyzed for eight years and to bring back to life a woman who had pronounced dead.  As the dust is settling we see him staying for some time with Simon, a tanner there in Joppa.  (Acts 9:32-43)

 

In addition to the healings, one of the striking things about this section of Scripture is its attention to details and the way "little people" stand as central characters.  A man named Aeneas, a woman named Tabitha, and another man named Simon each become a part of the story of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the church of that day.  It is an important word to read and ponder for sometimes we might think that the work of God is all about special people, leaders, and spiritual giants.  While strong spiritual leaders are important for the church, the real work of God is accomplished through the "little people," the ordinary men and women who sit in the pews and serve in the world.

If most of us looked back over the years of our journey with Christ and started writing the names of the unknown people who made a difference for Christ, it would indeed soon become a thick and heavy volume.  As we allow our memory to take hold, the names start rushing forth like water pouring over high rocks to the turbulent pool below.  A saying from years ago declared, "God don't make no junk" and indeed it is true.  The Kingdom is filled to overflowing with people like Aeneas, Tabitha, Simon, and the folks we have known and whose stories we still tell.