Scripture: “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man who you see and know was made strong.  It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him.” (Acts 3:16)

Observation: We often acknowledge that we are saved by faith in Christ alone – John 3:16, for example.  In this 3:16 in the book of Acts, we see another thing that faith is credited for – physical healing!  A beggar came to Peter and John and asked them for money, but instead of silver or gold (3:6) Peter told him to WALK … in the name of Jesus Christ.  And instantly, the man was healed (3:7).  He then went on to jump and praise God! (3:8)

Application: I think sometimes we believe that our faith in Jesus is just for the life to come – salvation.  Certainly it is. But that is not all it is.  It is also for healing and hope in this life!  Does that mean that if we believe in Jesus, any time we want to be healed we will be healed? Not at all.  There would be several problems were that true.  First is that it is likely that all believers would never die, since they would always be praying to be healed from something.  Second it would mean that we would need perfect knowledge to know best, and that God would have to follow our command and desire, rather than the other way around.  And third, it would mean that God could never work through suffering and death.  No, actually the opposite of these is true.  God does work through suffering – He did that when He worked through Christ’s suffering.  And He does it through this man’s trials when Peter says “God has glorified his servant Jesus” (3:13).  And God works through death.  He did it with Jesus, and He will do it with us – in fact death is the only way we get to enjoy eternity – unless Christ returns first.  In God’s perfect knowledge, He allows suffering… but in His perfect grace, He allows those who believe in Him to experience healing – if not in this life… in the next – whichever brings Jesus the most glory.  For it is in His Name which we trust.

Prayer: Father, give me the faith to trust in Jesus for my healing as well as my eternal home – all in your time and all for your glory.  Amen.