Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Acts 3:8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
IT DEPENDS ON HIS STRENGTH
"The Cripple" probably could have gotten his doctorate in podiatry, for he knew feet and ankles well, even though he couldn't use his own. Feet and ankles were what he saw going into the Temple day after day. Peter and John were looking right at him, and he was asking them for a handout, but Peter still had to bring his gaze up to the level of their faces, by saying, "Look at us!" He looked up, expecting gold or silver, but Peter had something better.
It was a miracle that ankles weak for so many years should suddenly be strong. It was a miracle that the cripple could walk at once, without therapy. But the most amazing thing is that he went with Peter and John into the temple courts, praising God. Well, of course! Wouldn't anyone so rescued? Nine out of ten lepers would not! They would not even return to One who was greater than the temple!
So let us appreciate the One whose kind Word calls, gathers, enlightens, and strengthens us. We could be experts on what a Christian is, we could know just what a Christian should do in every situation, but by our own strength, we doctors of Christianity could only use our knowledge to criticize others, and like the cripple would still not be able to do the good thing ourselves. If it depended on our own strength, when we looked to Him, it would be for some material comfort, silver and gold, something for our pain, and not for the heart of the matter.
But God, who is rich in mercy, has given us the name of Jesus, not only telling us about Him, but putting His name upon us in our baptism, and in many a benediction: His life, His death, His resurrection, all for us. And whether we are walking and leaping, or rolling in a wheelchair, or on our deathbed, it is God who gives us both our physical strength, and who also works the trust in our hearts to enter His presence with thanksgiving.
