Acts 3:11-16 - Giving God the glory
Scripture:
Acts 3:11-16
11 While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement.
12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?
13 "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.
14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.
16 "And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.
NASU
Thoughts:
Peter and John have just been used to heal a man lame from birth, at the temple. And now, they pass a critical test in their ministry: when all the people are excited about the healing, Peter and John don't try to take credit for it, but give the glory to Jesus. Our pride wants glory in a situation like this. To say, "look at me! I'm the one!" when we didn't really do anything, it was God's work.
This is such a critical test for us as Christians, being used by God. I suppose also because of our pride, we all desire the acceptance and approval of others. But Peter's response isn't to woo the crowd, but to convict them of sin (verses 13-15). He's not seeking to use this event for his own glory, or to draw a following for himself, but to draw people into salvation.
It's so much easier to not say the hard things as Peter does here, and be perceived as the "nice guy," than it is to say the things we must and risk alienation. If we are wanting everyone to like us all the time, it's going to be hard to follow Christ as at times people's actions conflict with the truth, and in those times we may have to speak, if He so leads.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to give You glory today. All of my success has been from Your hand, in every area of my life. Forgive me for the times I've tried to steal Your praise.
And help me to discern how I should speak amongst unbelievers (especially). Help me to not be afraid to stand out. Not seeking to make myself a spectacle, but not holding back the things You would have me say.
Amen
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