THE PURPOSE OF HEALING
Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.
Acts 3:4-11 (NLT)
It’s not about you.
These are the opening words of Rick Warren’s seminal classic The Purpose Driven Life. And while we may give intellectual assent to the idea that life isn’t all about us, in truth, we often live as if it is. We walk around as if life is a movie and we’re the stars. We exhibit what Gen Z calls main character energy. But we aren’t the main character. That honor belongs to Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Even in the miraculous story above, the healing of this paralyzed man wasn’t ultimately about him. The miracles of God should always bring us to a place of adoration and worship. Verse 8 shows that this man praised God as he walked and then leaped. Imagine the sheer joy of a man who had never taken a single step, being able to run and jump. Of course, he praised the God who healed him. And when people realized what God had done for this man, they were absolutely astounded.
Unfortunately, we often lose sight of the Miracle Worker by fixating on the miracle itself. Imagine seeing someone physically healed. Of course, we would celebrate this blessing! But we can’t forget who ultimately did the healing. The entirety of our lives is to be devoted to glorifying God. A significant part of that is acknowledging His sovereignty and providence. As the classic hymn says, to God be the glory, great things He has done.
APPLICATION: When was the last time you took stock of your blessings? If the answer is Thanksgiving, then it’s time to revisit them. This helps us to keep our focus on the One who has blessed us, not just the blessings themselves. List how God has worked in your life for your good and His glory. Tell Him thank You. Then look for ways to give Him the credit among your family, friends, coworkers, teammates, etc.
PRAYER: God, You move in power on my behalf. You do this because of Your great love for me, but also that You might be glorified. Help me to remember You in the midst of every blessing. Show me ways to glorify You with my words and actions. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?