594 - Exalting His Name Brings Miracles#
(JP Text Group - Shalom Compilation)
Peace be with you, dear family, and welcome to your arrival. Today is Sunday, and we will look at God's word together.
The topic of sharing is: Exalting His Name Brings Miracles
Acts 3:1-10:
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple. 3 Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Let us pray together.
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You. Thank You for starting our new week of life. Grant us Your word, so that we may gain faith, strength, and wisdom. In our lives, may we exalt Your name, follow the apostles as our example, and continually experience Your grace. We also commit today’s time into the hands of the Holy Spirit, to personally lead us and renew each of our thoughts and intentions. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Acts 2 records that after the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, the apostles and disciples received power, and they began to witness for Jesus, leading many to repent and turn to the Lord. The church was established at this time, thus the Old Testament Pentecost became the New Testament festival of the Holy Spirit's descent, marking the birthday of the church.
Chapter 3 records that Peter, in the name of Jesus Christ, healed a man who was lame from birth, and made a second sermon before the crowd, witnessing the power of Jesus. Here it mentions that Peter had power, and we need to learn how Peter's power was generated. We must understand that Peter had the Holy Spirit, and we also have the Holy Spirit. Why do many believers not live out the miraculous life like Peter and John? What are miracles? They are what God's hand does. However, many believers seem not to see what God is doing in their lives. Where does the problem lie?
Let’s look at verse 1: At the hour of prayer.
Prayer is a privilege given by God to His children. Anyone used by the Lord needs to pray often to receive God's power. The Old Testament records the habits of many great men, all of whom had a habit of prayer. For example, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, etc. These people became spiritual giants because their relationship with God was better than others. They prayed often.
In the New Testament, Jesus left us an example of prayer: He rose early to pray in the wilderness; after a day's work, He went up the mountain alone to pray. This shows that Jesus had a habit of prayer both before and after His work.
Some say, “There’s no need to pray; Jesus accomplished everything on the cross, and we don’t need to do these things anymore.” If even Jesus and the apostles insisted on prayer, do you think your ability is greater than Jesus? After Jesus accomplished everything, does that mean people don’t need to do anything? Actually, that statement is incorrect.
We still need to continually draw strength from God through prayer. Peter understood the importance of prayer even more. When Peter was with the Lord Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, he did not pray, even though Jesus reminded him several times. He fell into confusion and repeatedly fell asleep, which led to his weakness and three denials of the Lord.
Perhaps Peter realized his weakness and inadequacy. After Jesus ascended, he and the other disciples prayed with one accord and fervently, resulting in the descent of the Holy Spirit. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and led three thousand people to repent in one sermon. Perhaps Peter also saw the power of prayer, which is why he and John valued prayer so much. They not only had a personal prayer life but also had a habit of praying together in the temple.
The two of them went to the temple together at the hour of prayer according to Jewish tradition. Devout Jews had three scheduled prayers daily: at nine in the morning, noon at twelve, and in the afternoon at three o'clock, which is the hour of the evening sacrifice. Generally, devout Jews maintained this habit of prayer.
Some say, “That was under the Old Testament.” But Peter was not living under the Old Testament; he had already received power from Jesus, and the Holy Spirit had filled him and dwelled in his heart. At that time, the New Testament had already begun. Yet Peter was still willing to pray, which is directly related to his life experience. Even later, we see that Peter was opened by the Holy Spirit in many aspects during prayer.
So dear family, exalting Jesus' name cannot be separated from prayer. If we try to exalt Jesus' name by our own means, it seems to lack power. We need to consider whether we lack prayer, which is communication with God. We usually do things according to our own will. Prayer is telling God about our own matters, and then giving God a quiet time to speak to us. Only in prayer does the Holy Spirit reveal to us and supply us, allowing us to receive what we need most from God. Perhaps through prayer, God directly tells you how to act.
Many people see miracles during the process of prayer, witnessing God turning everything around. Last week, a sister told me that her illness was healed by God during prayer, after listening to the sermon. This was not particularly difficult. If you make prayer a habit, using Jesus' name, your faith will be unwavering. Hallelujah. And during Peter and John's process of going to the temple to pray, a miracle occurred.
Verse 2: And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple.
Let’s first look at this man's several difficulties. First, he was born lame, and because of his inability to move, he lacked the ability to be self-sufficient and could only be carried around, possibly becoming a burden to others. Second, he could only stay at the temple gate. Because he was disabled, he could not enter the temple to worship God like others. According to the Old Testament law, anyone with a disability could not serve God, could not approach the holy place of God, and could not offer sacrifices. Let’s look at this passage.
Leviticus 21:16-17:
16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 17 “Speak to Aaron, saying: None of your descendants in succeeding generations who has any defect may approach to offer the food of his God.”
Although this was directed to Aaron and his descendants, when the leaders of the Israelites later enforced this, it meant that all those with disabilities were not qualified to offer sacrifices to God or to approach the temple. So now this man, who was lame from birth, watched others enter the temple to worship God every day, and countless times he may have gazed into the temple, dreaming of entering, but because of his disability, he could not.
Here I want to share with you that although this man could not enter the temple to worship God, he could enter the local synagogue. Jews had synagogues in almost every place; in today’s administrative divisions, there would be a synagogue in every village. Although this man could not enter the temple, which was the grand place where the Israelites worshiped God three times a year, he could enter the local synagogue.
For example, if a man had a withered hand, Jesus healed him in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He could enter the synagogue, but the synagogue and the temple are completely different concepts. The temple signifies the place of God's presence, while the synagogue is merely a gathering place for them on the Sabbath. Many Jews believed that the work of God there was not as strong; but the temple was different; they firmly believed that God was in the temple.
This man could not enter the temple due to his own reasons; people kept him outside. However, God does not have such requirements. God only told Aaron at that time, “You and your descendants, as servants, cannot serve with disabilities.” This was a restriction for servants, which was under the Old Testament and the law. However, in the New Testament era, these restrictions no longer exist. The Jews added many things beyond God's law, which led to this man being unqualified to enter.
What is the third reason? He was despised by people and lost his dignity. In Jewish thought, a person born with a disability must have sinned, or their parents must have sinned. There is indeed a story like this in John 9. Therefore, this man must have been pointed at and criticized by many behind his back. He envied those who could run and jump, but he himself was powerless to change his situation. This is also a reflection of the reality of many people's lives. There are many difficulties in our lives that seem hard to change. But today, if you know Jesus, everything is different.
Verses 3-5: 3 Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
This lame man actually asked everyone who passed by for help. When he saw Peter and John, he saw no difference between them and others. Those who were about to enter the temple to pray still had compassion, so this man chose to plead with them, hoping they would have pity on him. This man had probably become accustomed to this helpless life, watching others' faces every day and begging for alms.
Have you ever thought that many people's lives are just like this, only less obvious than this man? In life, there are many things we are powerless to change, watching others' faces, unable to solve many problems, and just waiting for a bad outcome. What to do? Seek Jesus; Jesus can change your life and your situation.
When Peter and John heard the man's request, they fixed their eyes on him. Peter said, “Look at us!” Look means to look intently. So the Bible cleverly shows us that Peter and John looked intently at this man. When they saw him, they saw that he needed healing, and the Holy Spirit within them told Peter and John that this man could be healed in the name of Jesus.
When they had this faith in their hearts, Peter said to the man, “Look at us.” He wanted the man to also look at them. What did the man hope to receive from Peter and John? He hoped to get some money or food; that was the only possibility. So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something to sustain his livelihood.
6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.
Peter told the man, “Silver and gold I do not have.” Of course, Peter and John knew that the man looked at them hoping to receive something, most likely money or some benefit. What did Peter want to give him? The power of Jesus Christ. So Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have.” I can imagine that when Peter finished this sentence, the man must have felt very disappointed. But Peter continued, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” This is what Peter wanted to give him; this is all I have! Although I have no silver or gold, I give you what I have!
In Jewish thought, acting in someone’s name means that this statement carries power. Peter's words shocked the man. Think about it; in life, when do we usually say, “I speak to you in the name of someone”? Or say, “I give you this in the name of someone”? Generally, it is someone who is famous or has authority, right?
Because the Jews had this concept, when Peter told him, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” the man might have thought he misheard, “Rise up and walk?” This was something he had never heard anyone say before.
Yes, many people in the past looked down on him, and some gave him a little money, but no one had ever said to him, “I command you to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” Peter could not do it, but the name of Jesus Christ that Peter spoke could make him rise up and walk. At that moment, the man received this message.
From this, we can see that Jewish thinking is somewhat different from ours, especially in believing in God. They either stubbornly refuse to believe no matter what you say, or once they accept, they believe immediately. This is different from us; we tend to believe after we understand and experience. So God has given the Gentiles a long time to be saved, and when the number of Gentiles is complete, all Israel will be saved.
Although we feel that at first they rejected Jesus, and now grace has come to the Gentiles, what if the time for the Jews runs out? We think too much. As long as one day they realize that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Messiah, perhaps they will accept Him in an instant. As long as one accepts, others will see this point, and perhaps their salvation will come overnight. This is something we cannot imagine about their thinking.
Today, through this event, let’s see how this man's thinking changed. It may seem impossible to us: “How can I rise up in the name of Jesus of Nazareth? How can I believe this?” This is our thinking. But in Jewish thinking: If you dare to use this person's name to command me to rise up and walk, it shows that this person has this ability, because no one has ever said this to me.
If Peter had only said, “Rise up and walk,” the man might not have believed; but when Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” in their view, this person must have authority and power. But for us? We say, “If you speak to me in someone else's name, that person I probably haven't heard of, so I won't believe him.” This is two different ways of thinking.
Now we know that when the man heard Peter speak to him like this, his faith arose, and then Peter and John took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Immediately, at that moment, he was healed.
You see, we have witnessed many people being healed immediately in life. If you pay attention to our messages, you should know that we have opportunities to show such testimonies every year. Did you see that? What did Peter give this man? The name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth gave him faith and made his feet strong immediately.
Verse 8 says: So he, leaping up, stood and walked. Thank the Lord, Peter did not give the man the money he hoped for, but gave him health he had never had before. What God gives us always exceeds what we ask or think!
1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
What is it? It must be blessings. What God has prepared for those who love Him are all kinds of spiritual blessings, which we should believe. Just like this man, he did not expect to receive health, something he had never dared to imagine or even see. Perhaps many people envy this man: “He is so blessed! Peter's prayer was immediately fulfilled in him.”
We also have such opportunities. God has prepared for those who love Him; are you one of those whom God loves? At the moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you also became one of God's beloved. Jesus died on the cross for your sins, and in the redemptive work He accomplished on the cross, all the blessings God prepared for you are included. What do you need? Economic turnaround? Physical health? Various worries in life? Jesus can solve these problems and supply you with the best!
What God wants to give us often exceeds what we think; it is what human eyes have not seen. So God does not lower our standards but raises them higher. This man only hoped to receive some money, but what did Jesus give him? Health, making his body completely strong.
Ears have not heard. In the past, what this man heard were probably others' disdain, contempt, and even complaints from his family. But he had no choice; his life was like this, and he could only endure it. But today, his ears heard a different message: someone in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth wanted him to rise up and walk! Besides Jesus and what is recorded in the Bible, what other amazing things have you heard in this world?
Looking back at this world, most of the time it brings people various worries, troubles, and uncertainties about the future. But every time you return to the Bible and come before Jesus, the words He speaks to you are full of power, which the people of this world cannot give you.
So dear family, let your ears frequently hear about Jesus, and you will have faith and strength. If your ears only hear various sayings from people in this world, you will be influenced by them. Because the information that enters the heart through the ears, if you do not filter it and accept everything, you will be filled with various worries like the world. Therefore, family, make sure to let your ears hear more good news about Jesus Christ.
Later it mentions that the heart of man has not even thought of. Because people see differently and hear differently, what they think in their hearts is also different. Take Peter and John, for example; because they followed Jesus for more than three years, they saw Jesus perform many miracles, and their ears often heard the teachings of Jesus Christ. After the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost, they performed many miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit. This was their personal experience of faith.
Before the Holy Spirit descended, they only observed how Jesus did things. Although their hearts, eyes, and ears were renewed, they did not have actual power. Until the Holy Spirit descended, they personally experienced many miracles through the Holy Spirit, using the name of Jesus Christ.
They had used this name for many years, but this time, through the power of the Holy Spirit, they had a new understanding of the name of Jesus. They knew that this was not their own ability; the name of Jesus Christ itself carried power. As they experienced these things more, they realized that nothing was impossible for Jesus, so their thoughts became different from ordinary people.
This is what Peter and John thought in their hearts. When he saw the man lying on the ground, he thought of the name of Jesus, which could make this man rise up and walk. But others might see him and think, “This man must have sinned, causing him to have problems since birth.” Each person had slightly different thoughts when seeing this man, but only those who have the Holy Spirit and the truth in their hearts, and have experienced the great power of Jesus Christ, can think of changing this man's life.
So dear family, if you often use the name of Jesus in your life, you will continually experience the power of Jesus, and your heart will change. What seems difficult to others will not seem difficult to you; what makes others anxious will not be a problem for you. Because you often rest in God. How can you achieve this? Besides having the truth in your heart, it is to pray often.
Philippians 4:6-7:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Here it clearly tells us: Be anxious for nothing. The reason we can be anxious for nothing is that we have someone to rely on; Jesus is our reliance, our Lord. So what should we do when we encounter problems in life? Just pray about everything; this is the way out. Dear family, this is our way of living under the New Testament.
God has made it clear to us that when you pray about everything, your worries will be lifted because you have told God about these matters. You know God hears, and you believe that what God has prepared for you is the best. So what else do you have to worry about? What else do you have to be anxious about?
It is normal for people to worry because they have no way out. When they have exhausted their own methods, they become desperate. But you are different; when you pray about everything and tell God your worries, they are digested by God, and the problem is solved. Amen.
Also, supplication and thanksgiving. When we tell God what we want in our hearts, and our worries, you will ultimately thank God. Because when you think of God's power and the name of Jesus, your heart will only be filled with gratitude. God has the power to solve your problems and is willing to give you the best. If you know that you have such a Lord to rely on on earth, what do you have to worry about? Most importantly, tell God about your worries. What does He give you? A peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that no one can give you.
So dear family, Peter and John understood this, so in any environment, they were no longer afraid. The Holy Spirit was with them, and they had true peace in their hearts. This was the promise Jesus gave to the disciples at that time, and it is also the promise He gives us. The peace He gives is not like the peace the world gives; the peace He gives is true peace. Amen.
So when they saw this man who was lame from birth, they still had peace in their hearts, believing that Jesus would perform miracles through them, allowing more hearts to awaken and recognize the great power of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah.
If you can take time to know this Jesus and spend time praying to God, your heart will also be free of worries. Many things will become smooth; you won’t have to worry every day about where to eat, drink, or use, nor fear what your future will be like; God has a plan! What should you do now? Pray to Him often. Amen.
With every step, God leads you, and He will tell you where to go next. Some say, “How does He tell me?” It is through prayer. Therefore, if you do not have the habit of prayer, you need to establish this habit. Look at Peter and John; they prayed three times a day, and as a result, while on the way, God told them how to treat this man. The Holy Spirit had already revealed it to them, so they manifested such miracles. Amen.
You need to know that we are in Christ; Jesus Christ has prepared all kinds of blessings for us in Christ. You need to see all this with your spiritual eyes and let your ears hear these truths. Your heart will change, and your view of the world will be different; you will truly be willing to pray to God.
Do not think that prayer is a burden; it is a shortcut in our lives. Prayer can really save you from many detours. With the truth and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, many things become very simple. Take this matter, for example; can you also say what Peter said? You cannot say, “I can’t learn it; that sentence is too long, and I can’t remember it at all.” It’s very short, okay?
“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Is it difficult to learn this sentence? Everyone can memorize it. But if your heart does not have the truth and you do not know how great Jesus' power is, even if you memorize it, if you do not believe, you still will not see any results. Unless your thoughts and intentions know the power of Jesus, when you speak this word, it will carry power. Amen.
Peter and John firmly believed in the power of the Holy Spirit; they had experienced it countless times in the past, so this time was just a repetition of past events. This is why I always encourage brothers and sisters to pray first when encountering things and to often pray together with brothers and sisters, because this is training you.
Do not wait until you have something to pray; if you do not have this habit in normal times, when something happens, you will not think of praying. Even if you pray, you will doubt in your heart, “Does this work?” But if you usually participate in various services, you will witness the great power of Jesus Christ.
In our church, I encourage brothers and sisters to participate together; as long as you are willing, you can come, and you have seen many miracles happen. This is the power of the Holy Spirit. When we train everyone like this, your faith increases in daily life, and when you encounter things, you will know how to act. Amen. When you speak this sentence in the name of Jesus Christ, do you know what this sentence represents?
These three seemed to know what this name represented. Peter and John knew that this name was omnipotent, and the man on the ground, hearing that they could make him rise up and walk in this name, believed that it could definitely happen. So faith produced results, and the name of Jesus brought forth miracles; his feet and ankle bones received strength immediately. Thank the Lord. Peter took the man's hand and lifted him up; he had received such healing. Amen. The ankle bones are the protruding joints at the bottom of the foot where it connects to the sole; if this place lacks strength, a person cannot stand up. But this place suddenly became strong, and the man gained strength, so he leaped up. Thank the Lord.
8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Some say, “Why didn’t this man walk normally?” If you had been sitting on the ground for decades and were suddenly healed by Jesus, you would also leap and stand and walk, not walk normally. Why? Because you are so happy; you must exercise and try various ways of walking. We are used to it; a healthy person would not have such thoughts. But when this man entered the temple, walking and leaping, praising God, who could stop him from praising God?
So when a person experiences the great power of Jesus in their life, who can stop their mouth from praising God? Who can stop them from jumping and praising God? No one can stop them because they have seen what they have never seen and heard what they have never heard; their hearts have completely changed.
This man jumped up, and this was the first time in his life he jumped while walking. Standing and walking was something he never even dared to dream about, and he did not expect that miracles would happen to him. This was his first time entering the temple, so he jumped and praised God, overwhelmed with joy. On this day, because he saw the apostles, his life was changed, becoming a walking person, completely bidding farewell to the past life of being carried around. He was going to live a new life. Moreover, this man became a beautiful testimony, witnessing the power of Jesus.
Have you encountered Jesus today? If you have also encountered Jesus, then please believe in Him; through His words, your life will also change today. If you believe, you can become a person belonging to Christ, a disciple of Christ, and experience beautiful miracles like this man, because God gives us not only healing but also various other beautiful blessings. This is the power of Jesus, the effect brought by Peter and John exalting Jesus' name.
Acts 3:11-12:
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
Through this passage, let’s look at where the faith of the Israelites had problems. After this man was healed, he was so happy that he held on to Peter and John in Solomon's porch. Certainly, if you were the healed person, you would not let go of their hands either.
All the people ran together to them. Because this matter was so amazing, it indicated that there were not many people healed around the temple at that time. When everyone saw the disciples of Jesus performing such miracles, they were astonished.
Peter saw the people and said, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this?” You know, today when brothers and sisters see miracles, many people say, “How amazing! I have never seen this before; I have believed for many years and have never encountered such things.” In fact, such things should become a norm, not something that surprises us. In our church, brothers and sisters no longer find this surprising because they often see such things; if you have not seen them, do not treat them as surprising. As long as you believe correctly, the power of Jesus will be manifested.
The Israelites found it amazing because they had always been under the law and had never seen such miracles happen. They thought, “Peter is more devout; it is Peter's piety that made this man walk; it is Peter who earnestly prayed to God, and God put power on him to make this man walk.” This was the inner thought of the Israelites. But what did Peter say? “Why do you look at us? Do you think it is by our own power or godliness that we made this man walk?” No, it is the power of Jesus Christ. Peter wanted to correct their thinking and let them recognize Jesus Christ and experience such wonderful things.
Acts 3:16: And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Peter's words were very precise. The Israelites thought it was these two men’s piety that produced the power. But Peter corrected them: “No, it is through faith in the name of Jesus that this man whom you see and know has been made strong. It is not our piety or our ability.”
So family, when we serve God, do not think it is your own ability or your piety. Saying, “Let’s serve someone with serious problems; let’s fast for three days first.” You seem to be using your piety. In fact, it is not; it is the name of Jesus Christ. We should make constant prayer a part of our lives, not wait until something happens and then exhaust ourselves for three days before acting. It is not like that. We should cultivate a close relationship with God regularly, knowing that it is not our faith or our piety, but God's faith and God's power. Amen.
Peter simply believed in Jesus' power completely, so he released this power just like that. It is the faith that He has given, the faith that comes from Jesus that has made this man completely whole. Hallelujah. The reason this man could produce such miracles is also because he believed the words of Peter and John. Both sides believed, and miracles occurred. Thank and praise the Lord.
Let’s look at Philippians 2:5-11:
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Verse 5 tells us how to rely on the name of Jesus in our lives: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. What kind of heart did Jesus have? A humble heart, an obedient heart, a willing heart to give.
He was in the form of God; He is God, the Son of God, living in heaven without worries, but He came to this earth, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Why did He have to become like a man? Because you are burdened, He is willing to save you, to rescue you from all evil. Because man has no life, He wants to give His life to man. This is why He must take the form of a servant to serve people; He must become like a man to save people! Since He became like a man, let’s see how He acted: He humbled Himself and became obedient. Humility is not being lowly; His humility means He did not want to use power to do anything.
When people on earth gain power, many like to use that power to suppress others to submit; but Jesus is not like this. Although He has the power of God, He does not use this power to force people to listen to Him; He hopes that people will willingly come close to Him. He only expressed the image and form of God, and He lived out such a form Himself.
Being obedient. Who did He obey? The word of God, the arrangements of our Heavenly Father. Why did Jesus have such great power? Because He obeyed the Father's arrangements in everything; why do many people still lack power after believing in the Lord? Because they do not obey God's arrangements in everything and continue to act according to their own will; how can they manifest God's power?
Unless one day we increasingly willingly obey God's words, because you know He is good for you, you acknowledge that He is omnipotent, people will increasingly obey God's words, miracles will occur, and God's power will increasingly manifest in that person. Peter was like this; at first, he thought he was capable, but in the end, he could do nothing; now he feels he can do nothing, yet he has manifested countless great powers of God.
Jesus Christ was obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. When Jesus died on the cross, it was looked down upon by people. The reason Jesus was willing to do this was that He wanted to bear all our shame on the cross, so that from then on, we could live a glorious life through Him. Since Jesus willingly obeyed, God also blessed Him. So dear family, today when you obey God, God gives you all kinds of blessings.
God has highly exalted Him. What does it mean to be highly exalted? It means no one is higher than Him. And given Him the name which is above every name. What does it mean to be above every name? It means His name is the greatest. If you have a certain disease, that disease must have a name; the name of Jesus absolutely surpasses it and can overcome it. Therefore, using the name of Jesus, you can be victorious. This part of the truth needs to be reflected upon repeatedly. Once you understand the principles and omnipotence within it, even one prayer can produce results like Peter’s.
The name of Jesus is the greatest, surpassing all other names, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. If a disease has a name, it must bow before Jesus; it cannot overcome Jesus. Amen.
Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Who is Lord? Jesus is Lord. So family, Peter and John understood this truth, so when they used the name of Jesus, they knew they could definitely overcome this man's lameness. It was because they had this faith and vision that when they acted, the matter was accomplished. Thank the Lord. If you also exalt the name of Jesus Christ in your life, then miracles will occur. It is not a result of asking; it is the result of exalting the name of Jesus. Thank the Lord, and may today’s sharing bring some help to everyone.
Let us pray together.
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You. Thank You for allowing us to know the name of Jesus Christ through today’s words. The name of Jesus surpasses all names, so when we seek Jesus with such faith, we know that this matter will surely be accomplished, and what You give us exceeds what we ask or think. You also comfort our hearts through these words, allowing us to call upon You in whatever situation we encounter in our lives, and we are willing to cultivate the habit of praying about everything. Help us to know You more in truth, so that our prayers can establish a close relationship with God, and in our lives, we can rely on God to overcome whatever we encounter. Thank and praise the Lord, let our lives be filled with the great power of God, to glorify our Father in heaven. Thank and praise You. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we pray, Amen.