Even as I read through this scripture, I stood in a state of unbelief at the realization of a habit so greatly developed by society that if we are not careful, it will lead to further destruction and termination of lives- I am referring to the way we treat others.
Now Acts 3 opens with the story of a lame man whom was brought by the Beautiful Gate or Solomon's Colonnade every day, to facilitate his begging money from those persons entering the temple. Enter in, Peter and John and this lame man's song does not change until the two disciples and ordained apostles declared him healed in Jesus' name. And as people sought to admire the miraculous works in this once- lame man's life, the two chastised them, setting the record straight as to the real reason/ person behind this man's healing. Fast forward to verse 17 to 19, the apostles specifically acknowledged that it was in ignorance that they had rejected the One by whom the man was healed. but now if they would simply repent,, turn from their sins and acknowledge God then God would (figuratively speaking) send them Jesus again.
The ironies of the scenario is that Jesus who once walked the earth, performing far above this many miracles was rejected by many who did not believe that He was indeed the Messiah. It had to take the inexistence of Christ (at least on earth) and God's authority to grant unto Him the glory that He so rightfully deserved. It had to take another's endorsement of a "dead" man's works in order to get people to believe in Him and to accept who He really was- exactly what He had been saying for the duration of His ministry. Given that, I am sure when many realized their faults in persecuting a righteous man- it was too late to approach Him- at least on a face-to-face basis and apologize for their reckless behavior (however they were free to receive Him in their hearts upon repentance). Not to mention, it was these people's attitudes and actions which led to Jesus' death through crucifixion in the first place. Does it ring a bell already? And yes- we all know that Jesus' death was predicted long before and that his life and death fulfilled these never ending prophecies. But pushing all that aside the highlighted problem in the opening paragraph comes to light AGAIN stemming from our inability to CELEBRATE EACH OTHER AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY! Fortunately we (like thoe many in the New Testamnet era) can have God "send Jesus" if we follow the stipulated "process". But the same cannot be said for others- mere men- who no longer walk the soils of this earth. Once they're gone- that is it. Yet, we have developed a culture that celebrates someone's birthday, wedding (anniversary), pregnancy, promotion etc.... all the events that occur AT LEAST once a year. Let's face the music- not even our next minute is guaranteed, much less a year.
Do you know that there is someone on the brink of committing suicide and your words of encouragement can alter their decision? Did you know that your generosity can squelch an angry spirit? Bet you did not realize the power of your smile could give someone hope. Or by you calling a woman "beautiful" can change her outlook on her whole life according to who God says she is. It does not have to take "hearing a word" from God to approach someone with transforming words or actions. You can start now! Hmmmm...... Does it really have you thinking?
Today, I dare you to be different- stand apart from this world's norms and celebrate someone today- a little goes a long way. Let's not wait until a body is lowered some six feet under to shower the tomb with countless flowers and conveniently choose such a time to share with others "how good of a person the deceased was". And so it is with this note I conclude is saying: I CELEBRATE YOU! Though I may have never met you, we may have shared glances or maybe we cross paths frequently; I had to let you know that YOU ARE IMPORTANT & A BLESSING TO MANY. YOUR PRESENCE IS VALUABLE AS YOU ARE APPRECIATED. I just had to tell you this whilst I had the chance, taking this opportunity to treat you right especially as I do not know what the morrow may bring.
---------------- CHEERS TO YOU!-------------------
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