The power of Jesus’ name
by Pastor Fraser Pearce
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk (Acts 3:6b).
Read Acts 3:1–10
Today we read about a man who was lame from birth and was taken by others to the gate of the temple to beg for money.
Let’s think about what it would be like to be that man. We would not know what it’s like to walk or run – we would not know what it’s like to go where we want when we want. We would also not know what it’s like to earn our own keep – we would be reliant on the charity of others for our daily bread. On top of this, we would have no hope that our situation would ever be any different – we would be resigned to our disability, restricting the freedoms we see enjoyed by others.
This is the situation the apostles come into. The man only expects to receive from the apostles what he has received from kind people in the past – money to help him live. But the apostles give a gift that is greater than silver or gold. They give the gift of standing up and walking – a gift that comes in Jesus’ name. Peter knows the power that is in Jesus’ name, so when he tells the man to rise and walk, he also takes his right hand and raises him up. In this way, we see Jesus at work through his people as they speak his word. It leads to the man walking and leaping and praising God, and it leads to the people being filled with wonder and amazement so that they are open to hearing the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:11–4:4).
All of us are beggars before God. We have nothing to give God, only open hands to receive. Our Lord Jesus gives us his word through the people he sends to speak to us – people like our parents, friends or pastors. As they help us in the life of faith – as we receive the word God gives us through them – we are strengthened to live as free people and to praise God.
Lord Jesus, thank you for sending people to speak your word and freeing us to get up and praise our Father. Please give us your Spirit so we may speak your healing word to others. Amen.
Fraser Pearce grew up in Sydney and has served as a pastor in Melbourne, Bendigo and Adelaide. He is married to Margaret, and they have four children, ranging in age from 15 to 24. Fraser enjoys being with family and friends, listening to (and playing) music and reading.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
