IT WASN'T US
ACTS 3:12-16 NKJV
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? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
In some circles, the argument that miracles have passed away is connected to the idea that only the apostles were able to do miracles. This passage sheds light on that theory.
The Lord used Peter and John to work a miracle in the life of a man born lame. After the life of God came into his feet and ankles, he was not only able to walk but to jump.
So, he, the formerly lame man, was walking, leaping, and praising God, and it garnered a great amount of attention. This man had been carried to the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg for years. Everyone knew him.
The people were filled with wonder and amazement. That is a totally normal reaction to a miracle. Then the people attributed the healing power to Peter and John and began to gather around them. This is where we see Peter set the record straight.
Don't look at us. It wasn't us. It was not our power or godliness that healed this man. This was Peter's accurate response. And notice as he continues his explanation what Peter credits as the reason for the miracle.
Peter recites the story of the crucifixion. He proclaims Jesus to the listeners. Then Peter explains it was His name, through faith in the name of Jesus. When Peter refers to Jesus' name, he is highlighting the authority that is found in Jesus' name. A name that is above every name in heaven and on earth. A name, authority, that is above disablement.
Peter gives credit where credit is due. Notice he does not mention being Jesus' disciple or being an apostle of the Lord. Faith in the name of Jesus is what gave the lame man perfect soundness. Peter knew it was not about him or John.
APPLICATION:
If faith in the name, the authority, of Jesus gave this man perfect soundness, then we can be glad.
Jesus' name has not been diminished. And faith is still active and working today just as it was 2000 years ago.
The day of miracles has not passed away with the death of the original apostles. The God of miracles is still the same. And miracles, perfect soundness, is still happening in the lives of those who dare to believe.
PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, for the power of faith in the authority of Jesus. It still works today.