The Essentials
“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!”The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 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 3:1-6, NLT)
There’s so much to unpack from what happened here – so much we can learn, glean and be encouraged from this testimony.
Luke wrote about this healing story in the book of Acts and it follows many of the healing stories in the Gospels.
“The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders” (Acts 2:43).
Many.
Peter and John went together. They were commissioned by Jesus. Earlier in Acts, Luke writes how the church was formed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Luke’s use of this story shows the continuance between Jesus and the ministry with his disciples.
Now, in Acts 3, Luke shares of a specific healing that took place.
This man had been lame since birth. An ill person is desperate, reaches out, and is healed. After the healing takes place, there is proof of what happened and there is rejoicing and worshipping God.
Only God’s power could bring about such powerful results.
This healing fulfilled characteristics of a Biblical miracle:
- It was instantaneous. The healing happened immediately.
- The person was completely healed. He didn’t just feel better and need some more physical therapy or even relapse. He was completely HEALED.
- The healing pointed to God and glorified Him.
- As a result, it became a testimony for witnesses around to believe in Jesus.
Now think about this: Peter and John had probably walked past that lame man before, probably a number of times.
But what was different this time?
This incident happened after both were filled with the Holy Spirit. Both had a powerful encounter with God. It was only then they were able to perform miracles in Jesus’ name!
“And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:4).
The Holy Spirit is essential.
Do you know it’s essential for our bodies to have water? Water helps our cells. Water removes waste products including toxins that the organs’ cells reject. I can tell you as a runner, water is necessary to stay hydrated and helps boost your performance.
Just as water is necessary for our bodies, the Holy Spirit is essential to a believer’s existence.
Think of the first Christians. The Holy Spirit helped them do unexplainable things. They lived lives that didn’t make sense to those around them. It could only be explained as God.
Without the Holy Spirit, we operate in our own strength. Peter made it clear in the healing of the lame man, it was not his own power but the authority and power in Jesus Christ (Acts 3:12-13).
Be encouraged.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The same miracles that happened back then can still happen today.
Believe it, it’s true.
I have seen it with my own eyes. I have seen people healed by God. I have seen impossible things happen because God is the God of the impossible.
We gain wisdom, strength, and healing made available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit!
Let the POWER of the Holy Spirit flow through your lives today and know the Holy Spirit is essential.
Prayer: Father, we love You and we praise You. It says in Your Word that Jesus had to go away so that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, would come and be our essential helper. Thank You that the Holy Spirit guides us in truth and thank You, Father, that You gave Your children something more powerful than silver and gold. Through the power of the Holy Spirit You have given us healing and HOPE. Give us hope today Lord. Encourage us and thank You for Your mighty presence in our lives. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Go in the POWER of the Holy Spirit today! Know we are praying for you and we hope you are encouraged and know you are LOVED!
Christine Batchelder