Acts 3:8 – Verse of the Day 12/30/13

This was the response of the crippled beggar who was the beneficiary of Peter’s first miracle. It is striking that Peter’s second sermon and first miracle took place in the temple, the location of God’s presence and the forgiveness of sins. Jesus had already ascended into heaven, as Peter tells the people in verse 21, and now it the Gospel message that fills the Temple with the presence of God rather than Jesus’ physical body. The response of the healed beggar is appropriate – leaping and praising God!

In a world filled with hype, it is easy to become desensitized to the wonder of the Gospel message of forgiveness of sin. As you pray, ask the Lord to give you the beggar’s sense of awe and joy at the gift of forgiveness and salvation. Rejoice that God no longer sees your sin but rather the righteousness of Christ given to you through faith.