A man lame from birth was being carried,
whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate… Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”… And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” Acts 3:2-8
Heavenly Father, I don’t know of any special meaning or rituals for Leap Day, February 29th—this every-four-years extra 24 hours written into our calendars. But when I woke up this morning, this wonderful story of mercy, grace and healing came to mind.
I see myself as the lame man in this story. I was spiritually cripple from birth—immobile and helpless. Silver and gold, self-help and self-righteousness, religion and non-religion, a pantheon of idols and a plethora of attempts couldn’t alter my condition one bit.
But, by your sovereign grace and the Holy Spirit, you gave me faith to trust Jesus as my forgiveness and righteousness, my perfect Savior and consummate Healer. That’s when walking and leaping and praising you became a reality, and my greatest delight.
I needed a new heart, not a new start—the second Adam, not a second chance; resurrection, not inspiration. I rise to my feet leaping into your arms, on this Leap Day, shouting multiplied “Hallelujahs!”
I bless you for the truth, beauty, and power of the Gospel. I adore you for your measureless mercies, the unsearchable riches of grace, and the limitless expressions of your love. Stock markets, global viruses—no circumstances, good or bad, can alter the wonder of being known and loved by you, Father.
As you have given life to me through the Gospel, so speak life through me to others. May your grace be magnified and multiplied in me, overflowing to others, Father. So very Amen I pray, with fresh dancing-gratitude, in Jesus’ name.
