Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? (Acts 3:12)For almost four decades beginning in 1961, Saturday afternoon TV viewers enjoyed ABC's Wide World of Sports where audiences were regaled with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. We can relate to those feelings, having all experienced both in varying degrees.
One day upon entering the temple for afternoon prayers, Peter and John encountered a crippled man begging for change. Peter told him, I don't have any cash on me, but in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk (v. 6). The man was miraculously healed, whereupon Peter and John's instant celebrity resulted in a clamoring crowd of enthusiastic fans.
Peter quieted the crowd by diverting their praise, and proclaiming that this miracle was God's way of bringing glory to his Son Jesus.
Not that long ago the disciples had experienced the agony of defeat. In the days following Pentecost's thrill of victory, the disciples had many opportunities to make names for themselves, but instead chose to honor the name of Jesus.
How will we respond to victory? Will we take the credit and respond as singer/songwriter Steve Camp once sarcastically wrote? We give God the glory, but we're happy to accept the award. [1] Or will we confess that it's not by our own power or godliness, and cast our crowns before the throne?
Have you taken credit that belongs to Jesus Christ?
[1] I'm sorry I do not have information available regarding the album (ca. 1990), song title or lyrics, but to enjoy what Steve's doing now, read his blog at CampOnThis.
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