$14.7 Billion Lost

I wondered…is this the precursor to the stock market plunge some are anticipating? Is my 401k ready to disappear? I have no idea what $14.7B looks like, but it is like saying to me, “Your medical bills just took the last nickel in your bank account.” Or, “Hurricane Patricia just blew your house and car into the next neighborhood.”

I guess none of this should surprise us. We are familiar with James 5:1, “Come now, you rich, howl for the miseries that are coming upon you!” Now this is not the exact context of James verse, but you get the idea–this loss hurts!

The same week as this headline, I know someone who was in a medical clinic for a week, under-going treatment for a disease that has taken over their life the past six years. They no longer drive to work on a week day morning, because their health does not permit an outside job; nor can they roll out of bed early in the morning and go for their anticipated jog; or, have the strength to do those “extras” that some of us get to add into our “to do” list.

The basics of everyday life for millions are sometimes a struggle. It might be physical or mental health, finances, or a myriad of issues. They would trade $14.7b just to get their life back. What is $14.7b or pennies for that matter, if you cannot live your life with the quality you desire?

In the Book of Acts (chapter 3), Peter and John are entering into the Temple and there is a man who is crippled from birth. The man looks up at them and stretches out his hand begging for a few coins. Peter looks directly into the mans eyes and says, “Look at us.”

The man’s heartbeat picks up in anticipation of receiving a handful of coins to buy tonight’s supper. But disappointment immediately floods his face as Peter’s words come home, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Peter takes the lame man by the hand and lifts him up and the Bible states that “immediately” the bones in his feet and ankles are strengthened! The man is simultaneously walking, leaping into the air, and shouting hallelujahs to God at the top of his lungs. (I like those words immediately, don’t you?)

The people in the Temple are so amazed at the sight that they actually run and stare in astonishment at the man born “lame.” Peter, seeing the stares of the crowd, says, “Why do you look at this man with surprise? Why do you stare at John and myself as if we healed this man? We had nothing to do with this. Do you know how this man was healed? “

“…Through faith in His (Jesus) name, (Jesus) has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:3)

There it is. There is the $14.7 billion, “worth it all” statement—Jesus gives to you, me and myriads of suffering humanity, the promise of “perfect soundness” for eternity. The Good News is that it can begin right now–even though we might still suffer, Jesus has promised us His peace, His power, His support, His love, His forgiveness, and the assurance of “all things new” not too many days into the future. Cling to these most beautiful words, today–”…what I do have I give to you…” Jesus Christ of Nazareth.