In The Name Of Jesus

When we come to the scriptures it is important that we open up our hearts and minds to hear from God. As it is His truth and His love story to us.

Therefore let us surrender to Him all our emotions and thoughts.

Father by your Spirit as we come to today’s text give us fresh eyes to receive a greater revelation of You. May we see through Your eyes of love. In Jesus mighty name, the name that is above all other names, amen!

Today’s text is a real life drama. It is after Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead and ascended into heaven. The players in this high drama are the disciples of Jesus (who are filled with His presence, word and power), a lame man, the people in the temple, the priests, the religious leaders and of course God.

Acts 3:1-9 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name ?of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

God is working. Father, Son and Spirit, with one purpose and mission. To gather together in one ?all things in heaven and earth unto Himself. To reveal Himself, to redeem and reconcile humanity and renew and revive all creation.

God and His kingdom came on earth in Jesus. The ascended Lord is King over all things. His mission continues through His word and Spirit working in and through His disciples.

The healing of this man is the outworking of God’s character and plan. His salvation and deliverance plan is because He so loves. Everything He does comes out of the depths of His heart of unconditional, unending love. He wants us to be free, healed, transformed and see Him and each one through His eyes of love. Free from the bondage of death, sickness, selfishness and pain. Healed spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally. Transformed from the inside out ?into the glorious image and character of Jesus.

God is greater than all things, yet He chose to fulfil His desire and will in and through all those who are willing to receive and believe in Him. We simply surrender and receive. For a greater revelation of the victory in surrender please listen to our podcast The Secret of Success.

God’s work and will cannot be reduced to certain conditions and formulas. We cannot control God by speaking out what we want to happen. He is all knowing, all seeing, all powerful. Yet He does not manipulate or impose His will on anyone. He gives each one free choice.

Therefore this text is not about Peter and John speaking the right words or using some Christian magic formula, or being more spiritual or holier than anyone else. It’s not about the lame man looking at Peter and John expecting something and therefore having great faith. This is all about God, Father, Son and Spirit. His heart of love and His healing mission.

Jesus the Son, the ascended Lord and king who has all power and authority is ruling and reigning, by His Spirit on the earth, in the hearts and minds of His disciples. As this is the will of God.

They said, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.

In the culture of the time a person’s name represents that person’s authority and influence. ?It reflects who they are. In the name is all encompassing. It is every thought, feeling, action ?and relationship associated with that name.

Peter and John had been with Jesus when He walked the earth as a man. He did life with them. They saw him heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons.

They heard His words and felt His love. He washed their feet, laid down His life, was raised from the dead and cooked breakfast for them before He ascended into heaven.

Jesus said to them at their last meal together, remember Me. When Peter and John spoke out ?His name, they must of remembered Him. His love, His truth, His power and His commissioning ?of them. All that He gave of Himself was in them. They had the power, authority and relationship ?to use His name. For He gave them His identity, His Spirit, His love, yes–even His name.