A Picture of Strength 

In my recent post Grace Overflowing we looked at some ways to evaluate where our identity stands. In this post I would like to consider a connection I saw this morning in Acts 3. 

I quoted from the first pastoral letter to Timothy where it says, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service” – 1 Timothy 1:12. As I make my way through the Bible this year I noticed in Acts 3 this beautiful picture of what it looks like for strength to be given. Here’s the text then one observation.  The whole chapter could be quoted here but we will narrow it to see our focus:

6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.

8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. – Acts 3:6-8 

This lame beggar is a picture of our life before encountering Christ. This man had no strength in his legs. He could not walk…from birth I might add. The strength Paul gave thanks for in serving the Lord is made visible in this lame beggar. 

Let us see ourselves in this picture of strength given. Let us leap for joy and praise God that he has given us strength in Christ…in the gospel. See his glory and rejoice.