The Importance of Making Contact
(NASB) Acts 9:32 “Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.”
It sounds as if Peter intentionally traveled to Lydda to connect with the saints (followers of Jesus Christ).
Where do you intentionally travel to connect personally with other believers in Jesus Christ? Personal contact is important. Tweeting, texting, e-mails, Facebook, Skyping, etc. are ways to make contact; that is true. Even using your phone to actually talk with another is making a contact.
However, traveling to where other believers live and being in their physical presence is a huge difference. Making that kind of contact takes effort and intentional travel time.
Because Peter intentionally traveled to Lydda, he met a paralyzed man who had been bedridden eight years. (Acts 9:33)
Peter would not have met this man if he had not gone to Lydda.
What did Peter say to this man when they met?
(NASB) Acts 9:34 “Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed.’ Immediately he got up.”
Peter called the paralyzed man by name…and made it perfectly plain that it was Jesus Christ who healed Aeneas, not Peter.
Aeneas responded immediately. Imagine being set free from the prison of paralysis! Imagine being freed to walk again!
What were the results of all who saw the healed Aeneas?
(NASB) Acts9:35 “And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.”
Many turned to the Lord and it is implied that they were “saved” from their sins. All because Peter had expended energy, time and intentionally gone to Lydda. All because Peter made personal contact.
Where is the Lord Jesus showing you to travel, to make personal contact with other followers of Christ? You do not know who the Lord wants you to meet…you do not know what the results will be…but the Lord Jesus knows…it is important for you to make personal contact.