“Power in His Name”
Then Peter said, “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.” (v.6)
The
crippled man who encountered Peter and John at the temple gate certainly didn’t
do anything special to qualify for the miracle he received that day. He wasn’t
even expecting much, just a coin or two. Instead, he was completely healed (v.16)
and could walk for the first time in his life.
Since
the beggar was a familiar sight around the temple, and since he was jumping
around so excitedly, the healing created quite a scene. When Peter realized
that the people were marveling at both he and John for what had been done, he
immediately set them straight, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at
us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk” (v.13)?
Peter
wasn’t looking for glory or to set up some healing ministry. He had only one
message to deliver. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Israel had rejected and condemned,
is God’s “Holy and Righteous One” (v.14) and in His name alone is the
forgiveness of sins and the power to heal (v.16).
As
Peter showed us here, the glory, honor and praise for any miracle bestowed belongs to the LORD, not to the instrument used.
The
Truth
“And
whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
