Get ready for your miracle!! Don’t lose hope! Don’t give up! Persevere!
The Apostle Peter was active in preaching, teaching, and healing. He was an eloquent writer and speaker, delivering at least seven recorded speeches in the book of Acts: speaking to assembled believers on the way to Pentecost, in the temple, before the Sanhedrin, at Cornelius’ house, and in the Council at Jerusalem.
While not everything Peter said and did is recorded, enough is known to show his deep commitment to Jesus Christ and his mission to spread the gospel to both believers and unbelievers, the meek and the powerful.
In Acts 3, we read about an encounter that Peter and John had at the temple. “One day, Peter and John went up together to the temple at 3 p.m. Men who were keeping an appointment were carrying a man crippled from his mother’s womb, bringing and placing him at the gate of the temple, called Beautiful, begging for charity from those entering.”
The man, crippled since birth, was carried daily to the temple gate where he begged for alms. He had become accustomed to depending on the charity of those entering the temple, hoping for help to survive. It was unlawful, however, for Peter and John to carry money (a purse) into the temple.
Now, let’s consider the situation of this grown man who had to be carried daily to beg for his livelihood. It’s clear that his family, friends, and neighbors were likely the ones helping him in his daily quest for survival. Further reading reveals that this man was over 40 years old (Acts 4:22).
What happened next is profound. Peter and John saw him in his pitiful state. One might believe that the man never imagined he had options or an alternative. It’s a sad situation—one that many can relate to today. But the miracle that awaited him is a reminder of God’s power and grace.
Peter and John gazed at the man and said, “Look at us.” The man, hoping for a handout, focused on them. But Peter replied, “I have no gold or silver, but what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Yeshua, the Messiah, the Nazarene, stand up and walk.”
Peter then seized his right hand and raised him up. In that instant, the man’s legs and feet were restored. He jumped, stood, and walked, entering the temple with them—walking, jumping, and praising God. He received his miracle!
Some might say, “My problem isn’t that big.” And that’s the point. In Acts 4:23-31, the apostles pray for boldness. Verse 24 says, “They raised their voice to God with one accord and said, ‘Lord, you are God, who made the heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.’”
Speak your miracle into existence. Pray and believe. Do you want a small miracle? Or a big one? Walk by faith, as Peter and John did. (Continued in part 3)
Thanks for reading! Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Questions? Errors? Let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. References: The Companion Bible, The Original Aramaic New Testament in Plain English with Psalms & Proverbs, The MacArthur Study Bible.
