Amazement
Acts 3:8-11.
And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God And recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s.
Dear Family,
One cannot quite imagine the gratitude the crippled beggar felt. To have had no hope of more than alms one minute, to a normal, healthy body the next, and without warning!
Exultation (v. 8). The man was overcome with joy. It is as if he was exercising his limbs to demonstrate that they really worked. He broke out in spontaneous praise because he recognized the miracle performed on him as the work of God. He could have gone on his knees before Peter and John. He praised God instead.
Examination (9-10a).There was no denying the miracle that had taken place here. The crippled beggar was well known to regular visitors at the temple. It was the cripple alright, but no longer crippled.
Exaltation (v. 10b – 11). The wonder of the miracle brought the whole crowd around Peter, John, and the beggar. They obviously acknowledged that something big and unique had happened here. There was no way around it – Peter had stated that it was in the name of Jesus he was healing the man (v. 6). Jesus would be glorified whether the crowd believed in him or not. So often preachers draw attention to themselves with miracles. We must be careful whom a preacher points us to, Jesus, or himself.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.