January 25, 2019

BIBLE READING: ACTS 3

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

I would hate to tell this man, but if you’re really wanting a handout from people, I don’t know that the church is the best place to hang out. Many times we “church people” are a little too busy to be bothered with things like that. We can cynically think of everything wrong that the person would probably use the money for. I mean we’re busy, and we have things to do. We will try hard to not make eye contact as we hurry by to go do something for the Lord. I know I’m being a bit sarcastic, but unfortunately there is an element of truth. Thankfully, Peter and John stopped to talk.

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

There is nothing we could give anyone that would be more important than to give them Jesus. And everything we do for people should always be in the name of Jesus.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

Isn’t that amazing? Peter and John were the ones there, the ones that talked with the man, the ones who took him by the hand, and the ones who commanded him to rise and walk. And yet as this man miraculously walked away, he was praising God. he was not praising Peter and John, he was praising God. You and I need to do everything within our power to make sure that we are not praised but that God is. He is the one that deserves it. Listen to what Peter said when people begin to come to him with admiration of the miracle:

12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

“As though by our own power…we had made this man to walk”. Peter was saying not to waste one second entertaining the thought that this miracle had anything to do with Peter and John. As Peter was giving the praise to Jesus, here is what he tells them:
* 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know:

That is how miracles happen: through faith in the name of Jesus. Jesus has the power, and our faith in Jesus unleashes that power. Do you need a miracle today?