As Peter and John went to the temple to worship and
pray they encountered a man who had lost the use of his legs. This man had no way of earning income so he
was forced to beg (v. 3). Peter
responded that he didn’t have any money, but what he did have was better than
wealth! Through the power of the Holy
Spirit, Peter gave the man the gift of health (v. 6). Immediately the man was healed and he not
only walked but leaped, entering the temple with them, praising God. Many people saw and were amazed at what happened
to him (v. 10). Peter took full
advantage of the crowd that gathered as a result of the miracle and gave his
second speech in the book of Acts. Notice how he gave all the credit to God for
this miraculous healing (v. 16). He then
urged the crowd to repent (v. 19) and turn from their sins so that a time of
refreshing could come from the presence of God.
Peter then described how Moses prophesied that God would raise up a
prophet like himself whom the people would be responsible to hear and
obey. If they didn’t, they would forfeit
their right to be part of the people of God (v. 23). Peter concluded by
appealing to their Jewish heritage (v. 25).
This sermon caused Peter and John to be arrested and put in jail (Acts
4:3), yet many who heard the message were saved. Once again we see the power of a transformed
life, Peter’s first sermon added 3,000 to the church (Acts 2:41) and his second
sermon added 5,000 men (Acts 4:4)!
Journaling
and Prayer
1. Peter didn’t have money to give to the beggar.
However, he offered what He did have – the Holy Spirit. Often we do not take
risks because we feel we have nothing to offer. Ask God to show you where He
wants you to take a risk. Ask Him to show you how He’s prepared and equipped
you to do this.
2. God had a big purpose for the miraculous healing
of the crippled beggar. He used it to set the stage for Peter’s sermon, which
would ultimately bring 5000 men to Christ. God could use Peter in this way
because Peter gave all the credit to Jesus (v. 16). Ask the Lord to show you
areas in your life where you have been taking credit for things that are from
God. This could be material things like ministry
successes, spiritual gifts, abilities or talents, accomplishments, etc. Repent of this and ask the Lord to give you
greater insight into His work in your life.
Pray that you would grow in humility and learn to give God the credit
for everything in your life!
3. Spend some time praying for your family today.
Even as God gave Peter specific words to speak at the temple, He desires to
give you specific ways to pray for each person in your family. Spend some time
listening, then pray based on what God shows you.
