Luke has just narrated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost which, according to Peter’s speech recorded in Acts 2, is to be understood as the implementation of the authority of the risen Christ. It is a kind of divine invasion. The Holy Spirit is Jesus implementing his authority in our lives and in the world. As we turn to chapter 3 now, we see this implementation taking place through two of those who had been filled with the Spirit on that day of Pentecost. Peter and John heal a crippled man which causes a great stir among the people. As you read this story note how they repeatedly make it very clear that they healed this man in Jesus’ name. They were authorised and empowered by the Spirit of Christ within them to act in Jesus’ name. What mattered in that situation was not what they could do but what God wanted to do, and because they had given their whole lives to do God’s will, it was no big leap to raise up this crippled man. You can act in Jesus’ name when you are living in Jesus’ purpose. The power of God and the promises of God pertain only to the purposes of God. Jesus doesn’t want to follow you as you pursue your goals. He wants you to follow him and live for his goals. This doesn’t mean changing your occupation. It means changing your preoccupation in the midst of your occupation. Acting in Jesus’ name is not to be an occasional remarkable experience. It is meant to be a constant way of living.
Surrender your life to the purpose of Jesus.
Read Acts 3:1 – 4:22
