Daily Devotional | Power in the Name

“What’s in a name?” William Shakespeare asked. If the name is Jesus, the answer is “Life!” This was the message Peter preached to those who saw him heal a man who had been lame since birth. The miracle took place at the temple, which the first disciples visited daily (Acts 2:46). They met together in a portion of the temple known as Solomon’s Colonnade, an area of the temple’s outer court where Herod had built two rows of columns. Jesus also taught there during His earthly ministry (John 10:23).

The man whom Peter healed was well known to those who visited the temple. The apostle’s message to the astonished onlookers was direct and uncompromising. “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead,” Peter said. “We are witnesses of this” (v. 15). The miracle of healing was not a publicity stunt. It was an up-close demonstration of the power of Jesus, the only source of life and salvation. While onlookers were startled to witness the healing of someone they knew very well (16), Peter pointed beyond the miracle to the faith it represented. “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong,” he said. “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” (v. 16).

The lame man’s healing, although amazing, was intended to direct their attention to an even greater miracle. The miracle of forgiveness comes through faith in Jesus Christ. To experience this forgiveness, we must turn from our sin to Christ and believe that Jesus is the Righteous One sent from God.

>> Just as the lame man Peter met at the temple gate could not heal himself, we cannot solve our sin problem. We must rely on the power in Jesus’ name. If you know Jesus as your Savior, tell someone about Him and His healing power today.

Pray with Us

Today, we come to our glorious Savior with thanksgiving and praise for the miracle of forgiveness of our sins. Indeed, as our Scripture reading says, “The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . has glorified his servant Jesus” (Acts 3:13).

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.