healing

Good morning all,

We've known that the Holy Spirit is working through the apostles, today we see that power in action in a healing miracle. Jesus often healed people and we see that the apostles keep up that ministry. The somewhat odd phrase, "looked intently" at him is used often in Acts along with a miracle. Maybe it's to signal a deep spiritual discernment that enables healing; maybe it's a careful sizing up of the situation to figure out how to respond. The story is told in broad strokes, efficiently, and yet there are words to spare for the joyful action of a man who has never walked before suddenly healed. He doesn't just walk he leaps and praises God. As we read we get a clear picture in our mind's eye of this man skipping for joy because of what God has done for him. Hold on for a wild ride; this miracle is just the beginning.

May you not only walk, but leap and dance for joy,
Sam

Acts 3:1-10

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. 2And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.

6But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” 7And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.