Scripture: Acts 3:11–26
Devotional
It was just another weekday morning in Accra, and Ama was running late for work. As she dashed out of her gate, she noticed an older woman struggling to carry a load across the road. Something tugged at her heart, but she hesitated—late again. She sighed, walked over, and offered help. As they crossed, the woman whispered, “May the name of Jesus bless you richly.” Ama smiled, but that name lingered with her all day.
Later that evening, Ama found herself reflecting deeply: Why did that blessing feel so powerful? Why does the name of Jesus carry such weight, even in simple everyday moments?
In Acts 3, we encounter an extraordinary moment in the early church. A man, lame from birth, is healed in public view. The people are astounded, gathering around Peter and John at Solomon’s Colonnade, amazed by the miracle. But Peter, refusing to take any credit, says something profound:
“Why do you look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
(Acts 3:12)
Peter redirects the attention where it belongs—to Jesus. He names Jesus as the one glorified by God, the same Jesus they rejected, crucified, and whom God raised from the dead. Then Peter declares the truth:
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong.”
(Acts 3:16)
What’s in a name?
In biblical times, a name represented identity, character, and authority. The name of Jesus isn’t a magical phrase. It embodies who He is—the Son of God, our Savior, Healer, and King. When Peter spoke healing, it was rooted in relationship and revelation of Jesus' power.
The healing at the temple gate wasn’t just a miracle—it was a message. A man who had never walked suddenly leapt for joy, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy:
“Then will the lame leap like a deer” (Isaiah 35:6).
The miracle pointed to something greater than physical healing: spiritual restoration. Peter doesn’t stop at the miracle. He calls the crowd to repentance and paints a picture of “times of refreshing” and the promise of Christ’s return (Acts 3:19–21).
Life Application
We often chase solutions in our strength, like the crowd that marveled at Peter and John. But our true healing, hope, and future lie in Jesus alone. His name brings more than physical restoration—it brings forgiveness, purpose, and the hope of eternal life.
Like Ama in our story, we may pass by opportunities to act in faith. But every small act, spoken in Jesus’ name, can spark transformation—both in us and in those around us.
Let us walk boldly in that name—not as a routine phrase, but as a declaration of who we believe in.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your name is power, healing, and hope. Help me to never take it lightly. Teach me to walk in the authority of your name, bringing love, healing, and restoration to others. Thank you for the promise of refreshment and your return. I choose today to stand on your name—above all others. Amen.
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