What an interesting question! Peter had just miraculously healed a man who had been lame from birth, but he seems to expect the crowd to take it in stride, almost as if it were an everyday event. Clearly he expected that God would heal the man, but should everyone else have had the same expectation?
In Peter’s mind, the answer is “yes”! After all, Jesus was raised from the dead, so why should the relatively minor miracle of a healing in his name be so astounding? But the people didn’t see it that way. All they saw was the man jumping up and down, whole and healthy.
By linking Jesus’ resurrection with the man’s healing, Peter was pointing to something far greater than the possibility of physical healing. He was showing us that in his resurrection Jesus had made all things new. He was telling us that the mere name of Jesus—the Messiah who had conquered sin and death—contained enough power to banish darkness and bring restoration. He was telling us that a new way of living has opened up, a way of living focused on Jesus and the power of his resurrection.
When was the last time you prayed in Jesus’ name? Perhaps when you were sick? Or maybe when a loved one was going through a difficult time? It’s always good to pray for a miracle—and to pray with confidence. After all, the greatest miracle has already come to pass: Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and his defeat of even death itself!
As you journey toward Pentecost, try to set your sights a little higher. Remember that Jesus is still “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Put aside any thoughts that God won’t hear your prayers. Instead, try to be expectant, just as Peter was, that the God who raised Jesus wants to raise you up as well. Start small. Turn to the Lord with your daily needs, so that you can learn to trust him. Then when you really need a miracle, you will find Jesus with you, ready to give you exactly what you need!
“Lord, I turn to you with confidence, knowing that all things are possible for you. Show me how powerful your name is, so that I can place all my hope in you!”
Psalm 8:2,5-9; Luke 24:35-48