Resurrection Preaching in Acts
“Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” Acts 3:12-15
In the days shortly after Pentecost Peter and John healed a man lame from birth. This happened in the Temple at three in the afternoon. It was hard to miss. The Temple worshippers passed this crippled beggar every day as they entered the Gate Beautiful. Only now this fellow was running and jumping and praising God. When asked for details, he laughed and pointed. Then a crowd gathered in the Temple courtyard. They were staring at Peter and John, expecting some explanation.
Peter did not beat around the bush. He told the crowd that this miracle had been done by none other than the same Jesus they killed. Some of these same worshipers were there, no doubt, along with the leaders of the nation, when the mob shouted for the release of Barabbas, not Jesus, was on trial before Pilate.
Jesus is still alive today. He is here for us in our physical afflictions. It is by His power and authority that in times of bodily ailments – we are healed. Whether it is by means of medicine or surgery, or we simply pray to the Lord, it is the same risen Jesus at work.
When healing happens in our lives, let us, like Peter, openly give Jesus the credit. Especially when we go up to our place of worship.
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
The Lutheran Hymnal 200:3