Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
True Worship that Liberates
Tanaya Kunnenkeri
Carmel MTC, MA
6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I
have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,[a] stand up and
walk.”
In this passage we learn that Peter and John were given the authority to heal in Jesus’s name. These apostles didn't claim to have self-derived resources to provide to the crippled beggar. They admit to not having any material possessions to give to this poor man who comes to them with hope for a coin or two. But they know that they have something much richer and more meaningful for this man. A miracle occurs through these apostles at this temple gate so appropriately named “the Beautiful Gate”.
Jesus doesn't promise us material wealth, but does promise to heal us when we make ourselves vulnerable and put our trust in Him, as the beggar did with Peter and John. The apostles in this passage exhibit true worship. Peter and John take up their cross and their calling, for a cause that transcends their own personal needs. They worship God by submitting to His will and serving as witnesses to God’s power. This act of sincere worship brings deep liberation to the crippled man who received immeasurably more than he could ask or imagine. Peter and John first looked intently at the beggar, and showed him great compassion, just as Jesus had exemplified.
The crippled man also shows an example of true worship. He gave Peter and John his full attention with great expectation. God also beckons our complete and undivided attention as a mark of true worship and devotion to Him. Further, this man truly believes that Jesus had healed him through the two apostles. As soon as he experiences a new-found strength in his feet and ankles, he walks, jumps and praises God. He recognizes and acknowledges the source of his healing and redemption, and expresses gratitude for all to see. He shares his healing and liberation as a corporate form of true worship. The man is freed not only from his physical bondage but also from his isolation as he is finally restored to a community of believers.
It is interesting to note that this act of healing occurred at three in the afternoon, at prayer time, which is also the time that Jesus died on the cross (Mark 15:34-37). Jesus gave his life for us so that we may have life abundantly and be healed of our ailments of the body, mind and soul. It is also beautiful that God chooses to heal this man’s body or ‘temple’ at the Beautiful temple Gate of worship.
In this passage we learn that Peter and John were given the authority to heal in Jesus’s name. These apostles didn't claim to have self-derived resources to provide to the crippled beggar. They admit to not having any material possessions to give to this poor man who comes to them with hope for a coin or two. But they know that they have something much richer and more meaningful for this man. A miracle occurs through these apostles at this temple gate so appropriately named “the Beautiful Gate”.
Jesus doesn't promise us material wealth, but does promise to heal us when we make ourselves vulnerable and put our trust in Him, as the beggar did with Peter and John. The apostles in this passage exhibit true worship. Peter and John take up their cross and their calling, for a cause that transcends their own personal needs. They worship God by submitting to His will and serving as witnesses to God’s power. This act of sincere worship brings deep liberation to the crippled man who received immeasurably more than he could ask or imagine. Peter and John first looked intently at the beggar, and showed him great compassion, just as Jesus had exemplified.
The crippled man also shows an example of true worship. He gave Peter and John his full attention with great expectation. God also beckons our complete and undivided attention as a mark of true worship and devotion to Him. Further, this man truly believes that Jesus had healed him through the two apostles. As soon as he experiences a new-found strength in his feet and ankles, he walks, jumps and praises God. He recognizes and acknowledges the source of his healing and redemption, and expresses gratitude for all to see. He shares his healing and liberation as a corporate form of true worship. The man is freed not only from his physical bondage but also from his isolation as he is finally restored to a community of believers.
It is interesting to note that this act of healing occurred at three in the afternoon, at prayer time, which is also the time that Jesus died on the cross (Mark 15:34-37). Jesus gave his life for us so that we may have life abundantly and be healed of our ailments of the body, mind and soul. It is also beautiful that God chooses to heal this man’s body or ‘temple’ at the Beautiful temple Gate of worship.
PRAYER
Father, please enable us to worship You with sincere hearts, in
spirit and in truth. For it is in our sincere and humble requests that You
bring us deep healing and liberation. Amen
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” -St. Francis of Assisi. Do we sincerely worship God, and ‘preach the Gospel’ in our thoughts, words and actions?
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” -St. Francis of Assisi. Do we sincerely worship God, and ‘preach the Gospel’ in our thoughts, words and actions?