Acts 3:6-8 “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.” NIV

A number of years ago I purchased 3 young adult dachshunds, Dinah, Molly and Casey. None of these dogs had ever been house dogs. They had always resided in a kennel. Thus between housetraining, teaching manners, socialization skills and forging a relationship with each one I certainly had my work cut out for me. On top of this, I was busy packing, preparing to move across country.

One day when I was in my study, I heard a flurry of activity behind me. Glancing up from the box of books I was sorting, I saw a virtual fountain of envelopes erupting like a whirlwind into the air from another carton. Leaning across a stack of packing materials to better see what was happening, I burst into laughter. Casey had leapt into a large box of office supplies and was having a blast. He was literally leaping and jumping and flinging forth envelopes with wild abandonment. He was free. When he came to live with me a brand new way of life opened up for him and boy was he ever enjoying himself.

Whenever this memory surfaces I am reminded of the crippled man whom Peter restored in the name of Jesus. One minute he was imprisoned in one kind of life and the next he was freed from it. A totally amazing and unexpected healing had occurred and his spontaneous response to this miracle was to walk and jump and praise God.

Sin, much like physical disease or limitation is also crippling. It has the power to affect our lives in ways we cannot fathom and no amount of silver or gold can cure this ravaging force. Only Jesus can and does and will for the asking.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV

These words are true. They are fact and when we place our hope and trust in them, our lives do change. Sometimes the change is immediate, bringing about a spontaneous burst of joy and renewal. Other times it comes quietly, like a soft almost inaudible whisper, but come it does, one day, one bit at a time, until, just like the man in today’s reading, we too find ourselves walking and jumping and praising God in our new found life and freedom.

Prayer: Father God thank you for the forgiveness and mercy found through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of all mankind that all mankind might have opportunity to discover new life and freedom in His love. Bless many this day with faith to believe and receive. In Christ’s amazing name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC