and his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. [acts 3:16]
when prayers are answered, when miracles happen, when people want to praise us–it is our opportunity to name Jesus Christ as the author of all blessings!
peter emphasizes that faith has made the man well–peter could be tempted to take the place of Jesus, taking credit for the work that the Spirit is doing, but he does not, he names Jesus Christ, obediently asking boldly in his name–
let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his majesty is above earth and heaven. [psalm 148:13]
whatever you ask in my name, this i will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. if you ask me anything in my name, i will do it. [john 14:13-14]
and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. [colossians 3:17]
it is in the Name we are healed.
It is in the Name miracles happen.
it is in the Name we are justified.
it is in the Name we are sanctified.
it is in the Name we are glorified:
therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [phillipians 2:9-11]
let us always have this name–the name that is above every name–Jesus Christ–on our lips, the world is in need of saving, healing and hope!
~ ce