Scripture:
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Observation:
Peter heals a lame beggar and then uses the opportunity to preach the Gospel. Like Jesus, Peter had been given the power to heal. There was a significant difference, however, in that power. Jesus healed by his own authority. Peter healed “in the name of Jesus”. The power was not his own but given to him by Jesus and through Jesus.
The beggar was not expecting to be healed. He had not even asked to be healed. Instead, he had asked for money. Peter gave him what he had. And, it was what the man needed most. This event occurred out in the open. It was meant to draw a crowd so God’s word could be spread.
Application:
I need to give credit where credit is due. Often, I take credit for something without giving proper credit to God. “I”, “My”, or “Mine” takes the place of God’s glory. Peter was very specific about where his power to heal came from. It does not need to be the power to heal, but God has given me gifts. These gifts are from God, not man, not something I developed. He should receive all the glory.
I need to be ready to seize my opportunities to share the Gospel. Peter healed the beggar and then, when everyone was gathering and amazed at what occurred, Peter used the opportunity to give credit to Jesus for the power and to share the Gospel with unbelieving Jews. He was matter of fact. He did not pull punches. He used Old Testament scripture, familiar terms and metaphors they would understand to identify them as sinner and for their need to repent.
Prayer:
Use me as you used Peter. Help me to recognize the situations where I can use events in my life to spread the Gospel. Allow me to step aside and give you the gory you deserve so others can see and experience your power.