GOD CAUSES INCREASE "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) -- Tomorrow:
Seeing Peter and John, the man "began asking to receive alms" from them (NASB). At that time, Peter fixed his eyes upon the man, saying "Look on us." Immediately, the man looked upon them, "expecting to receive something of them." Peter, who had not embraced the prosperity Gospel that is making the rounds today, said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Then, taking the man by the right hand, he "lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." He did not linger by the gate, or run through the city. Rather, "he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." This was probably disruptive to some that were in the temple, unacquainted with the workings of the Lord.
The Word of God draws our attention to those who beheld this man, moving about with agility and shouting the praises of God. "And all the people saw him walking and praising God: and they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him." The former lame man is then beheld holding on to Peter and John with gratefulness, leaving no doubt about who God used to work this mighty miracle. The word apparently spread rapidly that something most unusual was going on in the temple, and "all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering."
Seeing the reaction of the people, Peter immediately seized the opportunity, redeeming the time. He confirmed this mighty work had not been done by their "own power or holiness." He then proclaimed Jesus Christ, whom the God of their father Abraham had glorified. He reminded them they had preferred a murderer to Jesus, and had "killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." He declared that faith in the name of Christ, "hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all" (Acts 3:1-16).
Peter boldly proclaimed the Gospel again. He called upon people to repent, that their "sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). The planting of the seed was again honored of the Lord. It is written, "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand" (Acts 4:4). The Lord gave the increase!
They then called the Apostles to account before the Jewish leaders, commanding them to cease their speaking. With no hesitation or compromise, the Apostles declared they had no alternative but to speak what they had "seen and heard." The truth so powerfully compelled them, they simply could not be silenced (Acts 4:20)! After being beaten and released, they met with the believers, praying for boldness to speak the Word (Acts 4:29). God answered their petition, and they confidently proclaimed the Gospel--they sowed the seed! The outcome of their efforts is recorded in a short, but pungent, sentence. "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women" (Acts 5:14). God gave the increase!
The increase continued, as evidence by these familiar expressions. "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied . . . " (Acts 6:1). "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7).
Following a severe persecution and the dispersion of the disciples, the increase continued. It is written, "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied" (Acts 9:31). Following the death of Herod, whose life God took because of his vainglory, "the word of God grew and multiplied" (Acts 12:24). Later, in Acts 16:5, it is said of the ministry of Paul and Silas, "And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily."
All of these are marvelous examples of our text: "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " This was not the result of a human strategy. It was not the effect of a stereotyped routine or method. No soul-winning clinics were held, and no courses in effective evangelism were taught. Rather, it was the result of sowing and watering the "good seed."
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, help me to see the effectiveness of the Gospel, and the sureness of You to honor its proclamation.