In the Christian Science Bible Lesson March 19, 2012 Issue

God's work is perfect

For the lesson titled "Reality" from March 19-25, 2012

By Ann Edwards

The Golden Text of this week’s Lesson, titled “Reality,” shows us the true nature of reality by commanding us to “Declare the greatness of our God! . . . His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:3, 4, Holman Christian Standard Bible). Mary Baker Eddy wrote: “Perfection underlies reality. Without perfection, nothing is wholly real” (Science and Health, p. 353, citation 1). Seeing God, good, as the only reality, she defines Creator as “. . . God, who made all that was made and could not create an atom or an element the opposite of Himself” (p. 583, cit. 2).

The Responsive Reading’s account of Peter and John’s healing of the lame man sitting just outside the temple at the Beautiful gate is an illustration of how God’s “perfect work” underlies all reality (see Acts 3:1–13). This healing is remarkable for two reasons. One, it’s the first apostolic healing performed after Jesus’ ascension that is reported in detail in the book of Acts. It offers reassurance that the Christ power behind Jesus’ healing ministry is empowering the healing work of his followers as well. Two, this healing shows that God’s “perfect work” not only includes the healing of what were believed to be incurable physical problems, but the healing of sin, too—in this case the mistaken theological beliefs that forbade the sick and the lame from ever entering the temple. The day the lame man was healed was the first day he’d ever gone inside the temple and prayed. No wonder the text describes him as “leaping and praising God” as he entered.

God's "perfect work" underlies all reality. 