David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 3:1-10

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.” 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. 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.

I mentioned yesterday the experience of having my leg lengthen at the command of Professor C. Peter Wagner. It was a very unique experience to say the least. I will admit I wasn’t sure what to do with it, but I’ve come to some conclusion: Don’t tell God what he can or cannot do. Don’t make God’s work depend on your understanding. Leave the door open to unusual or unexpected actions on God’s part. He’s that way. Or as the Jesus character says in The Chosen mini-series when Matthew says, “This is different.” Jesus replies, “Get used to different.” Jesus calls us to new and different ways. He is not bound by time, space, or other obstacle. He does as he pleases.

But there is a method to God’s ways – different as they may be. That shows up here and is important to note. God genuinely cares about people. And he shows it in many ways. One is to heal people who are crippled, blind, mute, or even to raise the dead. Jesus did that out of compassion, love, concern, and kindness toward those who are suffering. But herein lies the problem: why doesn’t he do that for everyone? Why are not all healed? Why do some continue to suffer?

Jesus also does these things as a testimony to his glorious power. These miracles are marks of his identity as the Son of God. They show his power and control over the created order, and the terrible impact of sin. Jesus erases sin’s consequences when he forgive sins, heals diseases, and raises  people from the dead.

Peter makes it clear that Jesus is the actor here when he says, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” In this case the people seeing Jesus do this they took note and were filled with wonder and amazement.

Miracles, by their nature, are rare. They are signs of Jesus’ reign and rule. They point us to a good and gracious Father. They are testimony of the Holy Spirit’s presence and influence. The next time you see a miracle, take note. Be amazed. Be thankful. Believe.

On a personal note today is Diane’s birthday. It’s a milestone birthday. I’m thankful for her, and we are thankful for the years of life and blessings he has given both of us through the years.