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GREATLY WONDERING
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Acts 3:11-12

John 3:30

 

“He must increase,

but I must decrease.”

 

GREATLY WONDERING
 
This passage is most important for both leaders and members of the church. Church leaders can easily be puffed up, and pride can set in. At the same time, church members may have the desire to praise their church leaders above others. This sin of idolatry must be immediately checked to avoid a disastrous chastisement from God because of man-worship.
 
The Apostles sought: The reaction of the people was to look for the ministers. This was the natural course for they thought Peter and John were responsible for the healing of the lame man. The original language is very graphic, picturing the man (in his gratitude and joy) holding fast and clinging to Peter and John. This was not sheer joy but a heart full of gratitude. Peter and John may have been just channels of God’s blessing upon the man, but it is good to recognise whom God uses to help us.
 
The Apostles admired: The people “were filled with wonder and amazement” (Acts 3:10), denoting a great disturbance or distraction of mind arising from wonder or terror. The people of God would naturally seek the ministers who faithfully did God’s work. But a warning must be sounded to ministers: they must be quick to point to Christ as the One who has the power.
 
The Apostles refused: Peter was quick to reprove the people’s perception that he and John had healed the man. He told them it was not their power or holiness that led to the lame man’s recovery. The people could have suspected they were men of extraordinary powers.
 
However, later verses show that they refused to rob God of His glory. Man has the tendency to focus on the servants rather than God who gives the power to do the miracle. Ministers and members, take heed lest we fall into the Devil’s snare.
 
Do you see God’s hand in everything? Do you admit that medicines and medical procedures are nothing without God’s providential hand?
 
THOUGHT: Do I thank the Lord for the healing of my sicknesses?
PRAYER: Gracious heavenly Father, Thou art the great Healer. May I always recognise Thy loving care over my frail body; and in healing, may I remember to praise and honour Thee

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