Acts 3 contains a great story about when you see a miracle, faith, & repentance working together. Peter and John were on their way into the temple when the Holy Spirit put a distraction in front of them. Maybe we need to make sure we aren’t too busy to be distracted by the Holy Spirit.
Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes. Acts 3:16
A crippled man sat at the temple gate day after day. He begged for whatever he could get because that was the way he made a living. How often did Peter and John pass by him prior to this occasion? It must have been numerous times. But on this particular day, they made eye contact with him.
Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. Acts 3:4-5
Before we go any further in this discussion, we must understand that God doesn’t always give us what we expect. The fact is, He often gives us much more than we ever expected. As was with this lame man.
But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Acts 3:6
This Lame Man Was About To See A Miracle, Faith, and Repentance Work Together
If this man had any faith at all, it was to make enough money for his daily bread. Peter on the other hand knew what faith in Jesus could do. So Peter helped him to his feet and that’s all the help he offered
He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Acts 3:8
The crowd noticed the commotion and rushed towards the three. How would we, or maybe I should ask, how would you have handled all these people coming towards you?
Would you have taken the opportunity to say, “look what I did?” Or maybe some would have told those needing a touch in their body to get in line.
Peter though, full of the Holy Spirit made this event into a real God moment. He immediately said this to the crowd about the man’s healing.
It is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. Acts 3:13
What Peter and John did in this situation serves as a great lesson when God uses us in a miraculous way. They didn’t turn this healing into a healing clinic. They did, however, turn the crowd towards Jesus.
A Great Application For Us
This lame man’s physical healing was great for him. But it became a tool God used to meet the most important need of those gathered. They needed spiritual healing and that could only come through their repentance. Making that, Peter’s message to them.
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. Acts 3:19-20
There is no doubt that God wants us to pray for the needs of others. We must also to sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Because of Peter and John’s obedience. Through that one healing, 2000 more people were added to the church by accepting Christ that day.
Lord, we like to pray and see miracles happen. But help us to stay focused on your leading and what is most important to you.
Read the full story in Acts 3.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives
Featured Image by 12138562 from Pixabay
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