Word For The Day: Acts 4:8-12, NIV
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
After more than 2,000 years, Jesus' name is still being proclaimed. What is it about Him that stands the test of time? Simply put, Jesus was no ordinary man. He is fully God and fully man. He is the perfect expression of God in every way: both in nature and character. Moses had the privilege of spending time with God, learning His laws, and seeing His back when he requested. The original apostles had the honor of witnessing God stepping into time and space, taking the form of a man, living among them, and being taught by the Creator of the universe. They witnessed His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Christ took on our nature, made the ultimate sacrifice, and thus forever qualified Him to be the mediator between God and man. He now sits at the right hand of God our Father restored to His Godhead and bearing both divine and human nature: forever sealing the bond between God and man.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as promised by God the Father to continue His work drawing people into the Body of Christ which is the Church. He empowered the apostles to start fulfilling the Great Commission of going into all the world and making disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit teaching everything Jesus taught them (Matthew 28:19-20). This is the reason why Peter with John was able in an act of kindness to heal a lame man who was more than 40 years old to walk again. They were able to do the work of God in signs and wonders and miracles in Jesus' name by the power of the Holy Spirit.
More than 2,000 years ago, in an act of love, God made available the Gift of Salvation by Grace whereby He can reconcile man to Himself and have a deep relationship with His creation. This gift is available to us today. That is the reason why Jesus' name endures and His story stands to this day.