When I see my doctor, I focus on him AND the tools/methods he uses. Healing requires focus.
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Acts 3:4-5 – And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
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In today’s church world, I am hearing the oft-asked question, “Why don’t we see mighty moves of God like we see in the Bible?” Yes, I know, in some Christian circles we ARE seeing great manifestations of the power of God in miracles, healings, signs, and wonders. However, it’s not enough to talk about what’s happening somewhere else in the body of Christ. I don’t know about you, but I want to see manifestations of God’s power everywhere I go. I’m glad other people are witnessing them, but I want to witness them myself, and in a manner that truly honors the Lord and makes them available to all those around me.
I cannot tell you that what I write here is the sole answer to that matter, but I am thoroughly convinced that it DOES INDEED play a major role. Read our Text for Today once more. We know the story. Peter spoke to the lame man at the gate beautiful, the man was healed, and as the Word declares, he entered the temple, “walking and leaping and praising God.” But there are three words in our Text for Today that I believe are key to this healing work. Peter called for, in fact, demanded someone’s attention. He said to the lame man, “Look on us.” We read further that the man did look on them, and did so expecting to receive something.
My query is this. Have we, the people of God, and especially those of us in five-fold ministry, become to shy, so backward, perhaps even pathetic in our faith in God’s Word, that we fail to exercise this same boldness Peter exercised at the gate Beautiful? Make not mistake about it. Peter used the Name of Jesus, and later acknowledged that it was belief in and faith in that Name that brought the lame man to wholeness. We MUST NEVER let that escape our thinking. But he only used the Name of Jesus AFTER he got the man’s attention. God used men and women throughout the Old Testament to do His bidding. He continued that work in Jesus in His earthly ministry. And still today that pattern continues, but with greater power. NOW, we are sons of God, heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ, able ministers of the NEW Covenant, and ambassadors of Christ. We are called upon and commanded to not only do all the works Jesus did, but greater. I see the Church, in large part, failing in this arena. Once again I ask, could it be that we are failing to “get the attention” of those in need, not only on Jesus, but on us, too? It’s YOUR light that is to shine. YOU are NOW the light of the world. Shine, my friend; people need to have their attention drawn to both the source (Jesus) AND the channel (you).
Manna for Today – Acts 3:1-10; Joshua 1:6-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 12:34-37; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-14; John 15:7; John 16:23; Matthew 18:19-20
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My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 