Acts 3:6-8 (NIV)
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I 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.
There are several parts to this divine healing that are worthy of note.
First, this healing was done in the name of Jesus. This has nothing to do with saying the words “in Jesus’ name.” It draws on the delegated authority that was conferred on the disciples at the last supper (John 16:23-24). To act in someone’s name means that you are acting as they would act in that same situation, and that you are acting for their interests.
The promise that the disciples would be able to act and make requests in Jesus’ name was made in the context of Jesus’ command to remain in Him (John 15:5-10), to stay in vital communion with Him at all times. The disciples, with the Holy Spirit living in their hearts, were vitally connected to Jesus constantly, and were being instructed by Jesus as to what to do every moment, just as Jesus was continually connected to and instructed by the Father. On this particular day, Jesus told them to heal this man. So, they immediately obeyed, acting in Jesus’ name – at His instruction, and with His authority.
The second thing to note is that this healing event didn’t include any of the things that we normally associate with healing ministry. There was no prayer, no anointing with oil, and no reliance on the faith of the one being healed. It was Jesus’ clearly communicated intention to heal this man – the idea didn’t originate in either the man or the disciples. So, all that was necessary was to pronounce the healing, and then act on its reality.
The final thing to note is that the faith of the apostles in their shared understanding of what they were to do here, how they were to perform the will of Jesus, led them to bold action. There was no doubt, no hesitation, no hedging their bets “in case it didn’t work.” They grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him to his feet, confident that the work was done. And it was.
It is also important to note that there was no hubris here, no assuming on God, no claiming a healing with the understanding that God would reward that “faith”. Instead, there was a vital connection to Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, that enabled Him to continually communicate with His followers. There was a command heard by both Peter and John. And finally, there was unhesitating, complete obedience to that command, accompanied by a clear proclamation that it was Jesus Himself who was performing the healing, so that He received all the glory.
Father, this is so different from the way that most healings today are sought. Too many of us don’t keep that vital, continuous connection to You, and if You do speak, we wonder if it is really You, and that hesitation and doubt works against simple obedience, so the miracle doesn’t happen. Without that clear connection, we substitute ceremony, and try to persuade You with prayers that are heavy on formulas, trying to hit on the right combination of words that will unlock the miracle. How much better it would be if we would just stay connected to Jesus, remaining in Him as He commanded, so that we can hear His voice and His commands clearly. And then we can boldly obey and act in His name. Help us to live this out as a day-to-day reality in our own lives, so that we can bring glory to You. Amen.
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