Hanging On

You can note in the 3rd chapter of Acts that the crippled from birth beggar was a "hanger on" type of guy. He was carried every day to a place where they (and he) could get physical help. He knew where to sit and what to say. I wonder if Luke makes that note here about being "crippled from birth" in light of the man in the gospel of John chapter 9 who was born blind. "Who sinned to cause this?" they had asked. No one. It happened so that the glory of God might be displayed in his life.

And what a display this was. He is healed and he goes walking and jumping and praising God into the temple. He also remained a "hanger on" kind of guy. He clung to Peter and John. The ones who had made a difference in his life. He had been found by someone who had something he wanted and could not get by himself.

Then the cripple heard more. It was not Peter but Jesus who had done it. Peter began professing Jesus. That got them in a bit of trouble, but I am sure it was clear now to the man that it was Jesus who had healed.

The book of Acts is about the continuation of what Jesus did. He had not handed over the keys and said, "Now it is your turn Peter." He is the key and He is continuing His work through the church even today. So today we can go into church walking and jumping and praising God for the healing we have received. We were born with sin and He has redeemed us. We are His workmanship created for good works. As Peter says, may times of refreshing come!