March 31, 2016 – Acts 3:2-5

As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money.  Acts3:2-5This is a story that is true.  It happened after Jesus came to earth and returned to his Father God in Heaven.  Peter had lived with Jesus and learned from Jesus for three years.  He watched Jesus heal people in the name of God, His Father.  Peter watched Jesus turn water into wine.  He watched Jesus calm the seas during a storm and walk on water.  He watched Jesus raise people from the dead.  Jesus healed to show God’s power and believe.After the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, Jesus appeared to his disciples and said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”   Acts 1:8.  When Peter saw the lame man, he knew what he must do.He took him by the right hand and he was instantly healed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Did the lame man expect this?  No, he expected money.  The lame man was so excited, he could walk and leap (jump), and he recognized that Peter had the power of Jesus.  He leaped, for the first time in his life.  He went into the Temple (church) and praised God.  The lame man knew that his healing came not from Peter, but from God.He was an example on earth of God’s power and grace.  The lame man was lame no more.  He had never was received such a happy gift as the gift of walking, running and jumping.  We can praise God when we can walk, jump and run, too.  Saying thank you is a joy!  Thank God every day!Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.  All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. Acts 3:7-9