One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer— at three in the afternoon. 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
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.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. (Acts 3:1–8)
Like the centurion, these guys understood authority, and look what happened when they began to exercise it! They didn’t call a prayer meeting and ask God to heal the man. They did it, in his name. They acted like sons of the King.
Which adds a whole new dimension to understanding just who you are when you pray. You are not the orphaned child, sitting out in the hall hoping your busy Father will see one of the notes you have pushed under his door; you are not a homeless beggar, standing on the corner hoping God will pass by and hand you a couple of bucks; you are not a refugee, standing in line at the embassy, hoping the Ambassador will hear your request. Not even a faithful servant, humbly trying to do your best. You are a son or daughter of the living God, a friend and ally, wielding his authority to get things done.
From “Moving Mountains”
by John Eldredge,
copyright 2016
Nelson Books
Used with permission.
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Harper Collins Chrsitian Publishing
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