But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? (Acts 3:12 NASB)
The power of God to heal is truly amazing to me. God used Peter and John to release healing into the body of a man who was cripple from brith–I think I would have been much like those early Jews who saw and were amazed at Peter and John, and yet it’s almost as if Peter scolds the crowd for their reaction. Why the pointed rebuke? Notice what Peter said and you’ll see that the focus of the crowd was entirely wrong. The crowd was gazing at Peter and John–their focus was on the assumed power of people.
Herein lies the biblical balance for ministries and people who operate in the gift of healing. Peter made three three critical statements.
1. Don’t look at us
2. It’s not our power
3. It’s not our piety
Even though God used Peter and John in a miraculous way, notice how, according to Peter, none of what happened was about them. Like today, people were looking at them, assuming that they had some supernatural power within themselves (apart from the power of Jesus) and they must have thought, “Wow, how religious they must be to be able to heal.” Jewish people of the day believed that if you were religious enough you could command the ear of God.
How often do we think that if we are religious enough, then God will hear and move?
I’m always careful when observing ministries or individuals who operate in healing. This is something I personally pray for and petition God for. But for some it would seem that the presentation is a show anointed with a “look at me” attitude (opposite of Acts 3:12) or a “notice-the-power-that-I-have” attitude (unbiblical) and finally the subtle communication that says, “this is happening because I’ve got a special connection with God, or the supernatural–see how pious I am.”
I think these kinds of ministries turn me off because they are fundamentally out of step with the biblical balance that Peter gives us.
Peter goes on to say, in verse 16, that healing is based in faith in the name of Jesus. It is Jesus who does the strengthening and it is faith which comes through Jesus that brought about perfect health.
So, in order to heal, we must possess faith, remain humble and direct all focus toward Jesus alone. He deserves the glory, honor and adoration.
I desperately desire to see the power of God move in supernatural healing in my church–and it has but I desire more. In my passion I’m checked by this story to make sure that what Jesus does is always for his glory and never for the glory of me as a pastor or the glory of my church. Jesus, may it always be about you!!! Move in power to transform lives.
Amen.