Crippled

Read:  Acts 14:8-10

In today’s reading we hear about a man who was crippled from birth.  What do you think of when you hear the word “crippled?”

The word crippled means having a less than fully functional limb, or injuries which prevent full mobility.

Perhaps that is why it seems calling a person a cripple in today’s world sounds offensive. The word brings derogatory or even shaming connotations, as though the person is devalued as “less than” or not “fully” human.

This would have especially been true in biblical times.  This man had been hopelessly crippled from birth, and as a result viewed as subhuman, defective, outcast, perhaps even cursed and certainly not worthy of anyone’s time or attention. 

As Paul is speaking to the crowds in that city, something in this crippled outcast draws his attention.  Something in the man’s demeanor revealed something to Paul.  The cripple had not only had heard the good news of Jesus, but he also realized that the gospel message was intended for him, crippled though he was.

Lord, search my heart. Show me where I have devalued people, when I have viewed others as “less than” or not “fully” human.  Show me how I may be a vehicle of Your transforming kindness, grace and love to all those whom You love and for whom You gave Your life.

And Lord, when I feel “less than” or not “fully” all I am meant to be, draw me to the message of Your saving grace once again. I come humbly to Your feet, seeking restoration and healing in all my crippled ways. 

Thank You for Your amazing love that transcends all that I can possibly think or imagine.  May I this day leap up and walk the paths You have laid out for me today!!