June 8 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Acts 3:1–8

Devotional

Peter speaks to the lame beggar, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Nothing was more impossible for this man to do than this. Then the miracle happens. We read that Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and anklebones received strength. The miracle happened because of the man’s faith. All things are possible to everyone that believes. The lame man is healed physically and spiritually!

This man did not come to Peter. God comes to this man through Peter. The beggar was unable to come without the grace of God. God’s grace is so great for God seeks this lame man, this lost sinner. The man is healed in the name of Jesus. And he not only walks to Peter. He jumps up, stands on his feet, and begins to walk. Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he goes into the temple with Peter and John. The underlying miracle is that God used Peter. He had recently denied the name of his Master but now he boldly confesses Him.

God meets sinners in the name of Jesus Christ. His name was “the Nazarene,” the despised One who ate with sinners and publicans. But it had been in this name that dead ones were risen from the grave, eyes of the blind were opened, and sinners were delivered. Now in this Name a lame beggar is raised up to walk.

Glory be to God that God did not give this man what he desired. If the Lord had given the beggar gold and silver as he desired, he would have only been temporarily helped. God gives far more to His people than what they think they need and for which they ask. Reader, do His love and care humble you? Maybe you are like that lame man. Are you miserable and blind? Do you know that the cause of your misery lies within yourself? It is because of your own sin and guilt that you are in distress. You may be spiritually paralyzed and unable to reach God and unable to gain salvation. But as you read this account of the healing of the lame man, take courage. The Lord is still the same.

Because of God’s love sinners are still saved in and through the name of Jesus of Nazareth, for the deaf will hear, the blind will see, and the lame will walk. This is not because of any power in man, but because looking on Him, all things are possible. And God will receive all the honor. In Psalm 30:11-12 the psalmist records, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praises to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.