DON’T LOOK AT US!

June 11

Bible Reading: Acts 3:9-12

Acts 3:12, “And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?”

Webster’s Dictionary defines a miracle as “an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.”  That’s what we find here in our chapter, for the healing of the lame beggar was both extraordinary, and not by human hands, but through divine intervention.  The crowd was utterly astounded at what they saw, but Peter and John were quick to divert attention from themselves but to Jesus.

The miraculous nature of the man’s healing was extraordinarily obvious, inasmuch as it happened instantly, dramatically, resulting in the man being restored to perfect health.  God is in the miracle-working business.  That’s what He does.  And though the results might not always be so sudden or dramatic, they are nonetheless things that have happened only by His intervention.  The salvation of a sinner, whereby he, who was dead in his sins, is made alive in Christ, is a miracle.  How many times has God worked to deliver you or me from seen or unseen troubles?  Those are miracles, too.  Every step heavenward in our Christian journeys is a step made by the divine working of God.  And it’ll be a miracle when He works to “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21).  Of course, He intervenes in countless other ways, for nothing is impossible for Him!

Peter and John were quick to clarify that what happened did not happen through their “power or piety.”  It didn’t come about because of their strength or their religiosity.  Instead, they gladly diverted the attention of the crowd to Jesus.  Jesus, who had performed countless miracles while on earth, performed this miracle from heaven!  Peter and John responded, as should we all in the things that we do, as Jesus taught, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Though God is pleased to use human instruments, He is not dependent on any of us (2 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 3:5-9).  Our response then should always be, “Don’t look at us, look to Jesus.”  Any good in me has come from Him!

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.” – Psalm 115:1

JESUS, WE BLESS THY POW’R
Jesus, we bless thy pow’r;
Thy grace, we honour more;
Such love as thine, it must subdue
To worship, love, adore.

The blind, the dumb, the deaf
A word, a touch relieves;
The wither’d arm, at thy command
New strength, O Lord, receives.

Lepers, who long had groan’d
Beneath the weight of pain;
The palsied limbs—the dying—dead—
Are all made whole again.

Legions of hell, obey
Thy dread, almighty word;
The Jews and Gentiles dispossest,
Give glory to the Lord.

Come, great Physician, come!
In spirit, Christ, display
Thy healing, cleansing, gracious pow’rs,
And take av’n death away.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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