Standing on the Bedrock of Love
By him (Jesus of Nazareth) this man is standing before you well. (Acts 4:10)
Acts 4:1-10; Jer. 30:17; Matt. 15:30-31 and 21:14; Rom. 4:20-21; Eph. 3:20
What Is God Saying?
He was lame from birth and through most of his forty years, he was taken every day to the same place, the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. He had become a fixture. Now and then a coin was tossed his way, but mostly stares of curiosity, mingled with a few glances of pity. He was carried there every day, but few people noticed. Then it happened—he was healed. Through Peter and John, he was touched by God. He knew it was the touch of God for when he leapt up and walked with Peter and John into the Temple, he was not praising them, he was praising God (Acts 3:8-9). The people were amazed. The religious leaders were annoyed. Given this undeniable evidence, there had to be an explanation. It was by Him, the very One whom they killed and God raised (Acts 3:15). It was through faith in the risen Christ that this man became strong.
A few weeks earlier Peter had been in the same place before the same people and folded when the doorkeeper, a servant girl, questioned him. Only the miracle of the Resurrection could account for the sudden and total transformation of Peter from cowardice to boldness. Just so, it was the power of the risen Lord, flowing through the hands of the disciples, that lifted a poor, lame beggar from living death to joy and freedom.
How Does This Apply To Us?
All of this passage (the healing of a physically lame man, the courage of a spiritually lame disciple, and the anger of deeply entrenched religious leaders) revolves around the Resurrection. It is still the power of our risen Lord that brings healing and courage and help to those who love Him, and annoyance and anger to those who seek to discredit Him and terminate His influence in their territory. He is the Stone that religious people rejected, but He has become the Cornerstone of a faith that saves and keeps and blesses unto all eternity. Because He lives, all may draw upon His strength, lean upon His promises, follow His example in the bewildering choices of life, and look for His return in power and glory.
We can all stand, cleared of all blame, no longer lame, no longer looking for help from others but giving help to others, and free to live for Jesus. Then it will be said of us, ‘All the people saw him walking and praising God’ (Acts 3:9).
Pray With Me
Lord, Your redeeming power is wonderful, beyond all doubt and yet beyond all understanding. Your redeeming power is not confined to theory. Your love is directed toward me.
When I know Your healing grace, Lord, I am lifted to a position of standing. This is good news. The sorrow of being sick, helpless, and lame is gone. In its place has come the healing and the peace of Christ. Now by Him, I am standing before you well.
To the praise of Jesus Christ Who has willed that all who are penitent by the power of the Cross, shall stand and be well. Amen.
Moving On In The Life of Prayer
Like Peter who had a newfound boldness in living, so we must find new boldness in prayer. We are praying to the God of the impossible. Pray confidently. Make bold claims in prayer. God is able to do what He has promised (Rom. 4:20-21). In fact, by His loving and triumphant power in Christ, ‘He is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think’ (Eph 3:20). Be a bold disciple.
