The Anointing - part 2
As we follow our discussion of the anointing into Acts 3, we see Peter and John going to the temple to pray. The anointing on their lives did not separate them from the temple activities immediately. They still followed some of the prayer habits from their past traditions. This may have been a normal routine for them, but this particular day at the temple gate, a lame man was asking for alms. This man was brought by someone and laid at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful. As he reclined against the gate, he begged for a handout from passersby.
That day the anointing of God was present on two of God’s chosen people. The lame man, however, looked at Peter and John and asked them for alms. Peter, all of a sudden sensing the anointing of the Holy Spirit, spoke those profound words, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I unto thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Peter took him by the right hand and lifted him up. Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. (Acts 3:6 NKJV)
All the people saw the former lame man now walking, leaping, and praising God. This was the result of the power of the anointing flowing from Peter to that man. The Name of Jesus spoken and the anointing flowing from Peter by faith produced a miracle before their eyes. The people were amazed. Peter recognized that this was an arranged “God moment” to reach the crowd with the good news of Jesus Christ.
Can you picture an anointing like this on your life where God touches someone you pray for and they are instantly healed? The anointing flowing out of them that day was beyond their former experiences and beyond their natural abilities. Here the anointing empowered people, brought new understanding, released new concern in people’s hearts, demonstrated good, brought healing to a lame man, stirred up the crowd, and gave Peter opportunity to preach.
The anointing moving in one’s life can be exciting! I am sure the early Church could not wait to get together to hear the latest news as to who got saved, healed, or delivered. Can you imagine the momentum building as the rumor of the lame man spread? The anointing will do that – create rumors. Rumors bring in the curious.
In closing, let’s return to a portion of what Peter said to the lame man. “But such as I have, give I to thee.” What did Peter recognize that he had? Do you have what Peter had? I pray we all recognize the anointing residing in our lives and that we are ready at a moment’s notice to share it with others!
Dr. Sharon Predovich
