Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 1نموونە

Day 5: In the Name of Jesus Christ

Fairytales have long captured the hearts and minds of young readers worldwide. Their timeless appeal lies in their ability to create storylines with relatable characters that resonate deeply with readers. Like the poor mistreated girl becoming a princess in Cinderella or the ugly beast finding love in Beauty and the Beast, fairy tales tug at our heartstrings because we all love stories of transformation and “happily ever after” endings.

In Acts 3, we see not just another tale but an actual encounter of a lame man who had a complete transformation. The ordinary event of Peter and John going to the temple was made extraordinary when the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested. The once ‘unsightly’ scene of the lame man begging at the temple gate became beautiful with that divine healing.

Interestingly, this is the first healing miracle that was described at length in the book of Acts thus far, though there were other miracles that had taken place prior to this (Acts 2:43). The wondrous healing of the lame man demonstrated the power of the name of the risen Christ. The same Christ whom the people put to death has now risen in power and performs His mighty works through His disciples (Acts 3:15-16). Peter’s subsequent proclamation of the Gospel to the people who reacted in amazement shows that the protagonist of this “happily ever after” story was not the lame man nor the apostles but Christ and His divine power.

Fairytales are captivating, but for all they are worth, they are ultimately from a realm of make-belief. But through Christ and His resurrection power, the Holy Spirit endowed us with power to be His vessels of change. Even in our ordinary everyday lives, the Holy Spirit can intervene and do His extraordinary works. He is not just a miracle worker in the Early Church but is ever present and ready to display His power to transform lives if we would lean in to partner with Him.

In a world that is lost and hurting, the best solution we as believers can offer is not mere charitable works or financial giving, as helpful as these may be. Instead, the best solution we can offer is the name of Jesus and the Gospel that carries tremendous transformative power and reaches to the deepest spiritual needs of all.

Reflect:

• In your routine daily life, how open and willing are you to be God’s vessel to do His powerful work? What can you do to help yourself be ready to partner with the move of the Holy Spirit?
• Are there ways we belittle the name and power of Jesus in our own lives? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to deepen our faith in what He can do in and through us.