Sermon for April 17th, 2016
Acts 3:1-10
3One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. 2And 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. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” 7And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
First Church: Walking and Leaping and Praising God
Today's scripture passage centers around the apostle Peter and a miraculous healing...so I'm reminded of the story about St. Peter and the medical professionals. Three medical professionals died and find themselves standing at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter speaks with them and asks them what good they have done in their lives. The first one says, "I'm a doctor. I have devoted my life to the sick and needy and have had a part in caring for and healing thousands of people." St. Peter replies, "That's great. Come into your eternal reward."
Encouraged, the second medical professional steps forward and says, "I'm a nurse. I have supported the doctor and his patients my entire life as an adult, have taken time to explain things to patients, and have helped them lead healthy lives." "Wonderful," says St. Peter. Please enter your eternal reward in heaven."
By now the third medical professional is looking quite confident, and says, "I am the president and CEO of a very large Health Insurance Company. I am responsible for the health care of millions of people all over the country." St. Peter says, "I see. Come in ... but you're only covered for two nights!"
