Something To Give

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” [Acts 3.6]

How did Peter know he had the power to heal the lame beggar?

I don't think he had attended "healing classes." But, Peter had been with Jesus. Peter also experienced the "Day of Pentecost" - more specifically, the infilling of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

Somewhere, somehow, in the process of being with Jesus and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter, knew he had the same 'authority' to heal.

Mind you that between being with Jesus and being filled with the Spirit, Peter also denied Jesus. Doesn't it seem that should have disqualified him? So then, what exactly was it that so convinced Peter to entertain the idea that he had the authority to heal the lame beggar?

We can only conclude that being with Jesus (hearing His teaching and observing His actions) coupled with that supernatural experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit (on the Day of Pentecost) both contributed to Peter's confidence to heal the beggar. And, these two events were peculiarly but evidently unaffected by Peter's curse-filled denial of Jesus in between them.

What does this say to us today?

For starters, I believe no one can go wrong in seeking to immerse themselves in the life and ministry of Jesus. I truly believe the Bible contains all the information one needs to become more than well-acquainted with Jesus. When one becomes increasingly better acquainted with Jesus, it makes sense that the power Jesus demonstrated and demanded of His followers would necessarily be associated with His having been filled with the Holy Spirit Himself, thus indicating the need for true followers of Christ to also be filled with the Spirit.

Am I suggesting a 'formula' for power with God? No more or less than Jesus suggested it. No more or less than Peter suggested it.

What did Peter have that gave him confidence to heal the beggar? Without question, it was something!

Father, I want to have what Peter had - confidence in Jesus. Help me to know Jesus more. Undeniably fill me with Your Holy Spirit. May I genuinely have something to give...