Reflecting on Acts 3:1-10“He went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8)
Something amazing and life transforming happened to this man, and it showed.
His praise was not scripted worship, a part of the order of worship.
It was spontaneous, the natural result of experiencing something great.
I have not been healed this way, but I have experienced something great.
I have my own reasons for walking and jumping and praising God!
I was born and raised in scripted religion and worship.
It was burdensome and deadening to my soul. empty religious duty.
Paul describes this in Philippians 3:1-6, the pride of religion.
But then he meets Jesus (Philippians 3:7-14, and everything changes.
This is my story too, how Jesus has brought me from duty into delight.
I have been set free from fear of judgment, and from the duty to perform.
I have been seized by a faith, hope and love that fills me with joy.
Externally life is still challenging and painful, but inwardly I have hope.
I know deep down that nothing, NOTHING! can separate me from His love.
I cannot help talking about Jesus, because Jesus has given me a reason to praise!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I can no longer preach religion or push duty on others. I want people to experience what I am experiencing, Your radical, soul-healing life-changing love. I cannot help but walking and jumping and praise!