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Genuine God
Justin SmithActs 3:7-8
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
It was one year ago that I was walking down the streets of New York City, and I was approached by a man lurking in the darkness with a suitcase full of Rolex watches. For only $80 I could own a watch that looked like a Rolex, felt like a Rolex, moved like a Rolex, and even said Rolex; a watch that would typically cost over $5000 at a whopping 98% off. To the untrained eye, this watch could never be discerned from the real thing, even upon close inspection, but the truth remained… it was not genuine. In a world of counterfeits, fakes, and facades, it can be hard to decipher the real thing from the fake. In fact, in a world of fake gods and counterfeit gospels, how do you find the Truth?
Acts 3 tells the story of Peter encountering a man who had been crippled from birth. We’re told that every day friends would pick him up and carry him to the gate so he could beg for food and money from the believers worshiping at the Temple. Although this day started like every other, it would be far from ordinary. Peter, a man anointed by God, happened by him, and instead of placing a couple coins in his hand he grabbed his hand, embraced it, and helped him up. Now, I’m sure this alone caught him off guard. I mean how many people would reach out and touch this crippled beggar sitting on the side of the road, but the best was yet to come. Instantly this man’s feet and ankles were healed and strengthened. Talk about the wonder working power of Jesus.
So the question stands: “How do you decipher between the counterfeit and the Truth?” There is power—resurrection—life altering—world changing power in the True Gospel. The blind see, the lame are healed, and the dead are raised in the name of Jesus. The famous gospel tune rings in my ear, “He touched me, oh, He touched me, and oh the joy that fills my heart. Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole.” May this be that which marks New Hope. May we be a Church, a staff, a people that walk in this power. May we not be a Church known solely for innovation, or flashy presentations, or countless small groups, but may we be a Church where the Genuine Gospel is preached and is undeniably evidenced in power. It’s not about prosperity, it’s not about fame, it’s not about an easy life, but people that have been touched and transformed by the power of the Genuine God.
Heavenly Father, may today be a day where I walk in Your power. Please use me to make a difference in Your Kingdom. May Your power be evident in my life that I might bring you glory.
In Jesus' name, Amen
