47. Wala ka sa Lolo ko. Like Apostle Peter, he has a testimony of a miracle.

1 November 2020

From Raphael's workshop, "Healing of the Lame Man," a cartoon for a tapestry that depicts Peter healing the lame man (Acts 3). The artist used the Solomonic columns in St. Peter's Basilica as models for the columns of the Jewish Temple.

Raphael • Public domain

Acts 3

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Acts 3

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 

2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 

3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 

4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 

5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 

7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 

8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 

9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God,

10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Miracle, one by a fisherman.

This I wrote 17 August 2017.

“He was a disciple who denied his Master three times. A miracle in the name of his Master, who commissioned him back despite his denials.

In the same prayer Monday night, I shared that intentional prayer is praying for a miracle; the early church prayed for Peter who was in prison (Acts 12:5-7). Peter escaped prison miraculously, and those who prayed could not believe (v.15).

Indeed what a powerful way for Peter to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus to a man born lame. In turn, this man himself definitely made a powerful testimony about faith in the Lord Jesus to his neighbors which made the early church continue to multiply in numbers. Many believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand (Acts 4:4).

Lord, how I wish I have the same testimony like that of Peter and the lame man, that I can share my faith with people dear to me without feeling of hesitation. How I wished when I shared my faith with my Mom that she was healed of rayuma and lifted up with praises. But I have to be content with the miracle You worked in my life like sending Vannie and Patty (my two daughters) to a university I cannot afford, and allowing Paolo (my son, the youngest) to go through high school without having to transfer on his senior year given I was out of work and sick. All these in my mind were impossible at a time that I was at my wit's end. Yet, indeed what is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27). Lord, I will just share my story and let the Holy Spirit manifest His presence in the life of those who will hear about the miracle of Your goodness in my life, in the life of one who was once emotionally lame. This I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.”

One day, my children's children will say, wala ka sa Lolo ko, like Apostle Peter, he has a testimony of a miracle.

Here's something more about Desmond (mentioned in earlier blog), the soldier who declined to carry a gun, yet he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

From Our Daily Bread: A Hero Who Healed.

“Corporal Desmond Doss was the first conscientious objector to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award. A devout follower of Christ, Doss believed that it was not right for him to kill others, but he wanted to serve his country so he volunteered as a medic. During boot camp, his fellow soldiers ridiculed him for refusing to fire a rifle. They mocked him when he read his Bible and knelt beside his bunk at night to pray. But in combat, it was a different story.

During the World War II battle for Okinawa in May 1945, Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue scores of wounded men. Through his unselfish actions, he earned the gratitude and respect of his former critics and of those whose lives he saved.

In the face of persecution, Peter told the early Christians, "Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled”" (1 Peter 3:14 NKJV). He urged them to honor God in their hearts and be ready to give a respectful reply to anyone who asked about the hope within them (v.15).

May our response to a hurting world that’s often hostile to Christ be one that demonstrates God’s love.

Lord, heal our land.

May you be blessed.

Maraming salamat.