Scripture Reading Acts 3:1-10

In the Name of Jesus Acts: The Unfinished Story of the Church Series [8] Acts 3:1-10 April 15, 2012 Pastor Paul K. Kim

SOME PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS ON THIS STORY In terms of the structure: Acts 3 & 4 resembles Acts 2.  This is Luke’s intentionally structured narrative in 4 parts.  (1) a miracle, (2) Peter’s sermon, (3) response, and (4) ramification. In terms of the lame man: his condition was a medically impossible case.  Luke as a physician as well as a historian remarks on the details.  His condition was congenital, which is irreversible. In terms of the healing: it was instantaneous and complete.  These two qualities are the marks of the healing by the Apostles.  This miraculous healing is different from the “James 5” healing. In terms of the signs & wonders: Luke chose this as an example.  “And awe came upon every soul…” because of the signs (2:43).  This incident was an example of the Apostles’ signs and wonders.

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 35:5-6

THREE EXAMPLES THAT WE CAN FOLLOW IN THIS STORY OF MIRACLE 1) We ought to follow the example of Peter’s compassion and love for the lame man. 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” (vs.1-4)  Peter and John’s attentiveness to the crippled beggar was noticeably similar to Jesus’ pattern of life.  They gave him full attention and asked him to look at them. Why? To acknowledge his personhood and evoke his faith.  Likewise, we need to show compassion to the marginalized.

THREE EXAMPLES THAT WE CAN FOLLOW IN THIS STORY OF MIRACLE 2) We ought to follow the example of Peter & John’s secret of power and confidence: the Name of Jesus. 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and Immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. (vs.5-7)  The first phrase was about their utter inadequacy in money.  The second phrase was about their amazing adequacy in Jesus—they offered a far better thing: “what Jesus can do.”  We are also to live in this kind of vitality and confidence in Jesus as our most treasured possession.

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10

THREE EXAMPLES THAT WE CAN FOLLOW IN THIS STORY OF MIRACLE 3) We ought to follow the example of the healed beggar’s robust joy and contagious praise of the Lord. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. (vs. 8-10)  This was a true worship—in spirit and truth—which God desires (our salvation is also a miracle/reason for worship).  His joy was robust and his praise was contagious.  We are also to rejoice and praise in God-centered worship daily—with full and deliberate expression of our gratitude.

Leaping with Robust Joy and Contagious Praise of God One thing let everyone of us be sure of Jesus will do more for us than we expect, and none knew that better than the lame man here when he begged for a little coin and got a cure. Then, lastly, it is quite natural to leap at first. The man went walking and leaping praising God. It takes a little time to find one’s feet after a great experience like that. Give the man ten or twenty years of city life, and he will walk as sedately as any other citizen. First they shall mount up with wings as eagles, says the prophet; then they shall run (as children always do); and then, when time and experience have wrought their sobering work, they shall walk and (thank God) shall not faint. Do not object to preliminary leaping. Do not be hard on a little wild enthusiasm in the man who has really been healed by Christ. Time will convert that spiritual electricity into a driving and illuminating power. Emotion will be translated by the years into the strength of action and of character - George H. Morrison (1900)

THREE PRACTICAL QUESTIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.What must be changed in me so that I can value the name of Jesus more than anything I have in my life? 2.In what ways can I reach out to the people who are hurting and/or spiritually lame? How can I show Jesus’ love to them? 3.How can I express my robust joy and contagious praise because of God’s salvation and healing for me?