Praise and Amazement

February 14

(Acts 3:8-10 NIV) "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."

(Matthew 9:33 NIV) "And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.""

(Matthew 15:31 NIV) "The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel."

When we obey God, glory comes down and praise goes up. This ex-cripple was not subtle or sophisticated in his witness. He was ecstatic and out of control. He jumped up and down and danced around, shouting out praises to the Lord. Healed people praise God. Saved people tell of his wonders and mercy. God didn’t heal this man because He felt sorry for him and wanted him to have a better life. He didn’t heal him so Peter and John could rake in money for their ministry. God healed this man to bring glory to His name. God healed him so people would be amazed at the power to be found in the name of the risen Jesus. Dead men can’t heal anyone -- but a risen Lord can. God has come to earth and lives in the changed lives of His people today. He wants us to share our story -- maybe even dance and sing and shout about it. He wants us to give Him glory. How are you doing at that? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day