How can we apply the joy of the healed man in our worship? A living picture of overflowing praise – Acts 3:8 “He sprang to his feet and began to walk; then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.” The Spirit-empowered miracle is recorded exactly as it happened. Luke points to three visible responses—walking, jumping, praising—that reveal how redeemed hearts can worship. Joy that moves every part of us • Body: he “sprang,” “began to walk,” and kept “jumping.” • Voice: he was “praising God,” not whispering it. • Location: he headed straight into the temple, the public place of worship. Our worship is meant to involve body, voice, and gathering, not just silent thoughts. Scripture’s chorus of exuberant worship • Psalm 100:1-2 – “Shout for joy to the LORD… come before Him with joyful songs.” • Psalm 150:4-6 – “Praise Him with tambourine and dancing… let everything that has breath praise the LORD!” • Isaiah 35:6 – “Then the lame will leap like a deer.” Acts 3:8 fulfills this prophecy literally and invites the same delight. • Luke 10:21 – Jesus Himself “rejoiced in the Holy Spirit” aloud. • Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!” • James 5:13 – “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.” Bringing the healed man’s joy into corporate worship • Expectant arrival – enter the service believing God still works wonders. • Physical engagement – stand, kneel, lift hands, clap, or even dance when appropriate; Scripture welcomes the body in praise (2 Samuel 6:14). • Audible thanksgiving – sing out, speak “Amen,” testify privately afterward. • Gospel focus – the man’s legs were restored; our souls are. Remembering redemption fuels joy. • Contagious celebration – his exuberance stirred the crowd (Acts 3:9-10). Our visible joy can awaken others to God’s reality. Sustaining joy between Sundays • Daily recall of personal deliverance (Psalm 103:2-5). • Regular testimony – share answered prayers and salvation stories with family and friends. • Songs in the ordinary – humming hymns while working, playing worship music during commutes (Colossians 3:16). • Quick confession – sin dulls praise; cleansing restores it (1 John 1:9). • Service overflowing from gratitude – the healed man clung to Peter and John (Acts 3:11); love for Christ naturally serves His people. Witness born from visible worship The crowd “recognized him… and were filled with wonder” (Acts 3:10). Joyful, unashamed worship points onlookers to the saving power of Jesus and opens doors for the gospel (1 Peter 3:15). |
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