Look At Us
Being that we are human, therefore imperfect, it is not often that Christ followers draw attention to themselves - at least not intentionally. We don't want people to watch or listen to us on a daily basis in fear of our shortcomings. However, if we are truly "Christ" followers and the Holy Spirit is our guide each day, we should desire the opposite.
Peter was a man of many imperfections; as all of us. The last act people in Jerusalem remember seeing of Peter was when he publicly denied being a Christ follower. He was in fear of his life and forgot the teachings and promises of His Master. Don't be so quick to judge him. We have also had our moments of denial and sin against the Master. But, after Jesus had forgiven Peter, ascended to Heaven, and Peter received the promise of Jesus in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he came out of hiding. He went in search of miracles and teaching opportunities as his Master did. Peter wanted people to see and know that he was a true Christ follower for the glory of his Savior.
This man was in need of something more than what he was expecting. Verse 4 shows us that Peter was looking for a miracle situation and found one. Instead of continuing on to the temple and ignoring an individual that needed what Jesus gives, Peter remembered that he himself was the temple of the Holy Spirit; the One who has the power and authority to operate through those who have Him. With that revelation, he made a statement that we should repeat, "Look at us!"
We should declare with humility, confidence, and authority these very words for the purpose of displaying Christ, glorifying God the Father. The world needs more than the every day expectations. Until they know there's more than what will accommodate their current condition, people without Christ will continue to expect something; sympathy instead of victory. We have the "something (someOne)" they need.
We are forgiven of our imperfections. We possess the power of the Holy Spirit to act in faith and display "wonders and miraculous signs" (Acts 2:43). It's time to come out of hiding as a Christ follower and know that Jesus is the one revealed when we say, "Look at us!"
Peter was a man of many imperfections; as all of us. The last act people in Jerusalem remember seeing of Peter was when he publicly denied being a Christ follower. He was in fear of his life and forgot the teachings and promises of His Master. Don't be so quick to judge him. We have also had our moments of denial and sin against the Master. But, after Jesus had forgiven Peter, ascended to Heaven, and Peter received the promise of Jesus in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he came out of hiding. He went in search of miracles and teaching opportunities as his Master did. Peter wanted people to see and know that he was a true Christ follower for the glory of his Savior.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. - Acts 3:1-10 (NIV)
This man was in need of something more than what he was expecting. Verse 4 shows us that Peter was looking for a miracle situation and found one. Instead of continuing on to the temple and ignoring an individual that needed what Jesus gives, Peter remembered that he himself was the temple of the Holy Spirit; the One who has the power and authority to operate through those who have Him. With that revelation, he made a statement that we should repeat, "Look at us!"
We should declare with humility, confidence, and authority these very words for the purpose of displaying Christ, glorifying God the Father. The world needs more than the every day expectations. Until they know there's more than what will accommodate their current condition, people without Christ will continue to expect something; sympathy instead of victory. We have the "something (someOne)" they need.
We are forgiven of our imperfections. We possess the power of the Holy Spirit to act in faith and display "wonders and miraculous signs" (Acts 2:43). It's time to come out of hiding as a Christ follower and know that Jesus is the one revealed when we say, "Look at us!"
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