LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Wednesday 9th July 2025
WHAT DO YOU HAVE?
Scripture Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Acts 3:6-7
This is a remarkable story; the first public miracle by the disciples after Jesus ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit came upon them. Peter allowed the Lord to use him in a very bold and audacious way. A man who was over 40 years old and who had been crippled from birth was healed.
How could this happen? How could they do it without Jesus’ physical presence with them? When the man requested alms, Peter responded that he didn’t have silver or gold. He then declared the words, “such as I have”. Every authority we have as believers is based on what we have in Christ. Without having that authority, we cannot exercise it.
What did Peter have? Peter’s authority is the same authority we have today. He did not have money to give to the beggar who had asked for alms. But he had something far better than silver and gold.
In the name of Jesus Christ: The name of Jesus invoked the presence of Jesus. Though the Lord was not physically present with His disciples, His name was still with them. It is the same name we have today. When we have His name, we do not require any additions or physical elements like handkerchiefs, talismans, amulets or ornaments for it to be effective. The name of Jesus is powerful all by itself. It is the key that unlocks His presence and His power.
Rise up and walk: Though the man was crippled, Peter commanded him to rise up and walk. When we use the name of Jesus, we must give it an assignment. Peter knew that the name of Jesus must accomplish something. He therefore commanded the cripple to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus.
His feet and ankle bones received strength: Although the cripple was healed in the name of Jesus, he could not get himself to rise up and walk. He could not take the action required to actualise his healing. Peter, therefore, took him by the hand and helped him to get up. His feet and ankle bones became strong and the healing was completed.
The name of Jesus works; but when it works, we must take the corresponding action to fully realise what has been done in our lives. That is what this man’s story teaches us today.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I walk in the strength of the Lord. I command every broken situation in my life to rise up. In Jesus’ name, *Amen.*_
