DON'T LOOK AT US
ACTS 3:9-12 NKJ
ACTS 3:9-12 NKJ
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "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?
OBSERVATION:
Peter and John were going into the temple but stopped for a man who was asking for money. Peter did not have any money with him at that time, but he did have a faith in the risen Jesus. And he was obviously being directed by the Holy Spirit.
God healed this man who was born lame right on the spot. This was even more of a miracle than we realize. This man had never walked. So not only were his legs healed, but he also instantly had the ability to walk and jump. Simply walking was amazing, but leaping? God's power is so immense.
This miracle caused quite the sir in the temple. People knew who this man was. They passed him on a regular basis as he sat begging at the Beautiful gate. Now he was leaping and praising God, and the word of this miracle spread. If this had been done today, it definitely would have been a viral YouTube video.
Even so, how Peter handles this situation is telling. Remember, Peter was the disciple that liked to be at the forefront. He was always in the picture when arguments would break out about who was the greatest. But this is a different Peter. This Peter is well aware that he was not the source of the man's healing; he was only the vessel that God had used.
Instead, Peter asked the gathering crowd, why are you looking at us? He knew it was not his power or religious living that healed the lame man. And Peter used this miracle to preach an on-the-spot sermon about Jesus. The response was so overwhelming that Peter and John were arrested, but 5000 souls were added to the church. The miracle captured their attention, and God's word proclaimed captured their hearts.
APPLICATION:
Don't look at us would be a good mantra for all of us as we are used by God. Whether it's an answered prayer, a miracle or a word that reaches and lifts the heart, it's not our power, not our awesomeness.
Over the years, I have had people blessed by a message that helped them and would tend to gush on me. Don't look at me! I am glad you were helped, but I am only the messenger. There is only One who deserves the glory because it's His word, His Spirit, and His power that makes the difference.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, that You use us to bless people for Your glory and Yours alone.