A Hope Fulfilled - Advent Devotionalናሙና

Acts 3:25-26 has an important context. It started with the healing of a lame man who was a beggar. He was lame from his mother’s womb and had to be carried to sit by the temple entrance to ask for alms. Unlike modern times, the maximum thing his physical limitation allows him to do is to beg and live as a dependent. Since his physical condition had theological implications, he was not allowed to enter the temple and worship the God of his fathers. In the name of Jesus Christ, he received healing through the ministry of Peter. He entered the temple, standing, and he began to praise and worship God. “When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him” (Acts 10:9-10). The people run to Peter and John, marveling and focusing on them. “When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (Acts 3:12) The question was rhetorical, which prompted his explanation.

Peter’s narration to his Jewish audience took them from their first-century context in Jerusalem to Genesis. He explained that the work of Christ, from incarnation to crucifixion and resurrection, is not an out of nowhere historical incident. It is the covenant God made to their fathers spoken by the prophets and witnessed by the apostles. If they believe in Jesus Christ, they are heirs.

Christmas is commercialized, and millions of people celebrate the holiday. The critical question is, do they believe in Jesus Christ as a savior of their life and the world? If you do, thank God for His matchless gift.

Prayer

Our heavenly father, I don’t deserve your love, mercy, and grace. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, you changed my status, present life, and destiny. I have lived the abundant life you promised—a peace that transcends my comprehension, joy, love, kindness, peace, and security. You gave me a flourishing and promising life. Thank you for your inclusive redemptive plan that embraces Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, black and white. All who believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, have become heirs of your promise and salvation. I rejoice and marvel at your wondrous redemptive work.

Alex Mekonnen, Ph.D., serves as professor of Missiology for the Regent University School of Divinity.