It is interesting to me that, in the Gospels, sometimes Jesus (a) rebuked the sickness/illness, (b) cast out a demon/evil spirit that was causing an illness, or (c) told the person to do what they previously could not do (e.g., "stretch out your hand", "get up and walk", etc.). In Acts 4, Peter and John emulated style (c). My question is, how do you know which style to do? (Or is that an ignorant question?)
Acts 3:6-8, 16 NIV
Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ... By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
The priests and Sadducees arrested Peter and John and questioned them the next day.
Acts 4:8-12 NIV
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
After Peter and John were released, they continued to heal and preach. And even after Ananias and Sapphira messed up, the disciples continued to heal and preach, even to the point that they were following Jesus's example:
Acts 5:12-16 NIV
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
They looked like Jesus! They were operating just like Him. They even began to fulfill Jesus's prophecy that they would do even greater things than He. The grace of the Holy Spirit was so strong that even Peter's shadow was anointed.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and love. Jesus, thank you for your example. Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and power. Please give me boldness to show your healing, and give me discernment to know how to approach each situation. I love you, and I pray in the name of Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment