“But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’”

This week in our “Foundations of Faith” series, we are exploring the subject of healing. Healing can take on many different forms, from physical to psychological and emotional to mental. There are as many areas of healing as there are aspects of our human nature and being. As my friend Crystal said, “We are called to pray for the sick and weak and can expect supernatural healing through the power of the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, which gives us access to healing in all areas of our lives.”  

In our scripture today, we see Peter exercise that power on a man crippled from birth. As Peter and the other disciples were going into the temple to pray, they came upon a lame man who went to the temple gate daily to beg. As the man held out his cup for a monetary donation, Peter merely said, “I have no silver and gold,” as the disciples were not wealthy and were traveling to proclaim the message of the gospel, “but what I do have I give to you.”  

What was it that Peter had? What had his Christ, his Messiah, left with him? Could he give the man something better than money? Could he give him healing? Many people knew what Jesus could do with a touch, but He was no longer present to lay His own healing hands on the lame man. What about this man who walked with Jesus, fought for Jesus, denied Jesus, and ultimately gave his life for Jesus? What did he have? He already said he didn’t have money – which is what the lame man was asking for, so what did Peter have to offer?  

What Peter had was a direction and calling from His Lord, Teacher, and Savior. He had authority to speak in the name of Jesus and receive the power of Jesus. He had a bold confidence that His Lord had equipped him for the needs of His people.  

Recall that after the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to some of the disciples. In John 21, we see that after a night of unsuccessful fishing for Peter and some of his colleagues, Jesus appeared on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. They came to shore to see Him and have breakfast with Him. Three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him. After answering “YES” twice, you could almost hear Peter’s impatience as Jesus asks him a third and final time. “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” After replying yes to all three questions, Jesus says, “Feed my sheep.”  

You see, Jesus had called Peter, and all the disciples (which includes you and me) to “feed his sheep.” Here, “feed my sheep” means more than just give them food; it refers to the work of a shepherd. We are called to be as the Shepherd, to care for and love the sheep – meaning all of humankind. Did this call include healing? Of course, because the Shepherd healed.  

Okay, but really – healing? We are to heal? Let’s look at this another way…When we come along side our Christian brothers and sisters and pray for them, and they improve – can that be called healing? When we come into the presence of Jesus for another, and a supernatural calm washes over them – can that be called healing? When we cry out to Jesus to be comforted and held by our Savior and we are – can that be called healing?  

Yes! I believe all of these things are the healing power of Jesus!  

Want proof? How about the mom who was within 48 hours of never leaving the hospital from a serious case of COVID, who turns the corner in her health when her Church body comes together to call out to Jesus for healing on her behalf? Or how about the kid who had seizures all of his life, never going more than about two weeks without having one, who has been seizure-free for six months following the corporate prayer of the Church body? Still not convinced? How about the woman with debilitating anxiety and panic attacks who specifically asked for anointing prayer from one of our church members, and she was instantly free from both?

These aren’t just stories that I have heard 2nd or 3rd hand. All of these happened within the last year at ACF Church. They really did. Seeing God move in this way, in this time, in this place is incredible to behold. But I believe you have to believe. All of these could easily be written off as coincidence, but I know better. I know my God still moves, still hears our cries, and still heals.  

Do you believe God is still in the business of healing? Where are you looking for the healing power of Christ? Who can you call to come along side you and pray for healing in the mighty name of Jesus?

Jehovah Rapha (“The God who Heals”),  

We praise You! We know You are our Healer, our Provider, and our Sustainer. We thank You that we can call on the mighty power of Your Son Jesus, in His name and by His blood, we can access the power to heal. Lord God, give us eyes to see where You are working and voice to give You credit for all You are doing. Give us courage to step out in faith in Your miraculous name! ~ AMEN!