https://odb.org/2025/03/04/reading-writing-and-jesus
Acts 3:15–24 (NIV): 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days.
In Acts 3:15-24, Peter preached after healing a man crippled from birth by the power of the Holy Spirit. In that healing encounter, Peter, who was with John, spoke the famous words, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk!” Peter preached that the Jews killed the author of life, and yet God raised Him from the dead. Peter said, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” The healing of the man crippled from birth was significant as the instrument of healing was Peter himself and not Jesus Christ our Lord. Likewise, we as ordinary believers are able to call upon the healing power of God for ourselves or for others the same way Peter healed the crippled man. Silver and gold we may not have, but what we have we may give for others to experience the power of God.
But what I like to emphasise this morning is that Jesus is the author of life. He was there at the beginning and created the world with God as He was God and the Logos (Word). He is thus able to shape and transform our lives, not just heal us. He may help us realise our full potential in life and in God. Jesus, as the author of life, is able to transform us from who we are today to someone who will fulfil God’s plans and purposes for our lives, formulated since the foundations of the world. Our destiny in God may be shaped by Christ as the author of life. He is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of our faith. He is the way, the truth, and the life! He is the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Him will live even though they may die.
I like to remind ourselves that as we go through life in the coming days, with the challenges and disappointments that it brings as well as peace, joy, and love God’s grace bestows us, we need to allow Christ the author of life do His magic in our lives. Yield to Him to change and transform us into His image even as we serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. May the glory of God shine forth from us that others around us may be blessed and experience the goodness of God! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 