Philippians 2:9
Therefore GOD also has highly exalted Him (JESUS) and given Him (JESUS) the name which is above every name,
GOD has given JESUS the name that is above every name. JESUS “highly exalted” is given exaltation to the highest position-an elevation above all others. JESUS’ obedience to death is followed by a super exalted position of honor and glory-and that’s a pattern that we should and can follow.
JESUS is our greatest example of humility; that if we humble ourselves, GOD HIMSELF will exalt us. It says, “Therefore GOD has highly exalted HIM (JESUS)…” GOD exalted JESUS and gave HIM the name which is above every name. There is power in the name of JESUS.
Acts 3:1-16
1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple (Synagogue) at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour (3:00pm).
The hour of pray. This was not bingo night or a time for bake sales or the selling of chicken dinners. People on a ritualistic basis were coming each and every day to pray.
2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask (beg for money) alms from those who entered the temple;
Not only were the people coming to pray each and every day, but notice they had the nerve to bring the lame beggar to the place of healing and yet daily there was no change in the man’s life.
3 seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.
4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”
5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.
Now the man was expecting and many of us have seen and passed by enough beggars to know that, they are a determined group of folks who expect to receive. It may not be what they want but they have a spirit of expectancy.
6 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.”
Peter told the beggar that I don’t have any money but I want to give to you that which I do have. I want to give to you that which will not spend out. I want to give to you that which will change your circumstances. I want to give to you that which will change your life forever. Peter had the most precious thing mankind is in need of and that is JESUS. Peter learned from JESUS, Peter witnessed all of what JESUS could do. Peter took what he freely received and freely gave to another.
7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
Notice this, it was not enough that Peter gave and used the name of JESUS to set the man free from his infirmity. But Peter put action to what he had faith in and that was the man can walk himself. Just as we lift babes up who are learning to walk, we must be a brace and this is what Peter was being to the man until the man could walk alone. The man’s steps were awkward at first than with a bit more pep.
8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them; walking, leaping, and praising God.
Now I don’t know if the man was 18, 21 in his 30’s or more but what I do know is what the scripture has given me. The man was lame from his mother’s womb. Ever gotten through a difficult challenge, you often times than GOD be you believer or non-believer. This was no different, apparently this man was sick and tired of his situation and he showed his appreciation by leaping and praising GOD for setting him free.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
This is a testimony because all the people saw him; they knew that he was lame. Some of them carried him and sat him down at the gate. When GOD does anything for you that you know man cannot take the glory in which is more than none. We must tell it, show it and it causes a praise to well up in our bellies that we can’t contain.
10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Why would church fold be filled with wonder and amazement? They had the Torah that they were reading from there was plenty healing going on in the Torah. So even if they did not use the name of JESUS due to ignorance what GOD has done yesterday, HE will do again and again. HE is the same today, yesterday and forever. But here is another kicker some if not all of the persons in the Temple had also witnessed JESUS heal those who were tormented but the great difference was unbelief.
11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed.
12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
There are many in the churches today who marvel at a man/woman being used by GOD in healing. There focus is off, they are spectators on man when they should be giving GOD glory, honor and praise.
13 “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
14 “But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,
15 “and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16 “And His name [Jesus], through faith in His name [Jesus], has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
We must have faith in GOD and in the authority that GOD has given HIS only Begotten SON, JESUS. Because as the scripture said “Therefore GOD also has highly exalted Him (JESUS) and given Him (JESUS) the name which is above every name,”