by faith in His name

And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

Acts 3:16

God used the healing of a lame beggar to ignite powerful gospel preaching among the early church in Jerusalem. The theme of Peter’s sermon here in Acts 3 is the importance of faith in Jesus to find salvation. The physical healing of this paralyzed man at the temple pointed to Jesus’ exclusive power to forgive sin and raise to real life all those who repent and turn to Him by faith (see Acts 3:19-22). The power of Jesus to heal this man by faith in His name, pointed to the greater saving power of a risen Savior to turn Israel back to God if they would believe the gospel (Acts 3:25-26) and in turn this would bless all the world through the salvation of sin Jesus provides.

Lord Jesus,

Just as You raised to new life in perfect health a paralyzed beggar in the temple courts, so You have raised my heart to real life in You... though I was dead in sin, Your raised me to life! And I was powerless to save myself. I simply believe the incredible, amazing, gracious good news that You died for sin, and rose again to forgive all sin. I trust that and I am made whole. Sin no longer has me pinned useless to a mat of shame begging for my life to change. Thank You for that great salvation accomplished in me, and as You call me to follow You, I will grow in daily believing by faith in Your name!

Amen