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Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
The phrase “Prince of Life” appears only once in the scriptures. This devotional will look at this solitary occurrence and at the implications of this expression.
Several weeks had passed since the crucifixion of Jesus. More recently Peter had publicly preached the first gospel sermon. About 3000 attendees at the feast of Pentecost responded favorably to God’s terms of pardon by being baptized (Acts 2:41). The disciples, through their devotion to God and to one another, were viewed favorably to the general citizenry of Jerusalem (Acts 2:46,47). The success of the gospel was evident as the Lord added “to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47a).
As Peter and John entered the temple at the hour of prayer, they encountered a man who was 40+ years old. He had been lame from birth. As was his custom, he had come there to ask alms of temple-goers. On this day, he asked two strangers (Peter and John) for money. Peter addressed the man with words that must, at first, have seemed discouraging. It probably was not the first time that the man had heard, “Silver and gold I do not have” (Acts 3:6a). However, what Peter said and did next was to change this man’s life forever.
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6b). When these words were spoken, Dr. Luke records that the impotent feet and ankles of the lame man were immediately filled with strength. He leaped and stood and walked and entered the temple praising God! (Acts 3:7-8). The people who saw him there knew of his past condition and were filled with wonder and great amazement. Quickly a crowd assembled in Solomon’s porch. Peter seized the opportunity to publicly proclaim for a second time that Jesus of Nazareth was the risen Messiah.
As Peter recounted the events surrounding the crucifixion, he said you “…asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Prince of life.” Therein lies the greatest contradiction of all time and eternity. Free the one who takes life (the murderer) and kill the Prince of Life! Somewhere in the fury of the moment, common sense and justice were flung to the winds. The deed that should never have been done was the deed that formed a badge of courage on the vestments of the rebellious Jews to whom Peter was talking. They killed the Prince of Life!
Peter denied forthwith that the miracle performed on the crippled man was as a result of his own power. Rather, he affirmed that the miracle was done through faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Glory did not belong to the cowards who crucified Him and it did not belong to the cowards who deserted him during the dark hours of Calvary. Glory belonged only to God!
The Light was made darkness; the Living Water desperately wanted a sip of water; the Good Shepherd witnessed His sheep being attacked; the author of love was exposed to vengeful attitude of hatred personified. The Prince of Life bowed Himself in the eternal presence of God to enable you and me to approach Him standing up! He is the Prince of life.
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