In our modern context, it's sometimes hard to understand all of the pieces in stories like that found in Acts 3. I think we can understand that the man we encounter in the text was completely reliant upon other people. There wasn't really a safety net for people who couldn't work beyond just trusting in the humanity and compassion of other people. That is why he found himself outside of the temple gates that day. He needed other people to help keep him alive.
But what we may miss is that in so many ways he was also cut off from the community. He wasn't allowed to worship in the temple with other people. So when he found himself leaping and praising God after he was healed, he was able to walk into the temple for the first time and be part of worship for the first time in his life.
In other words, it wasn't just his legs that were healed. It was also his relationships. He was now able to fully be part of the community. He was made new.
When we think of healing, often the first thing that comes to our mind is physical healing. But we can also have relationships healed. Or resentments. Or anything in our life that needs to be restored and made new. Where do you need healing in your life this day from the Lord?
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