His Glory in Me

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Jesus with skin on”?

This phrase is often used by pastors and leaders alike to remind us to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we go. Just as Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us, he left us His Spirit and we have His help to “be Jesus with skin on” wherever we go. Growing up in youth group, I heard this phrase from my youth pastor often. He would encourage us to shine the love of Jesus so brightly, that wherever we went others would see Him in and through us—His glory on display in our lives.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14CloseJohn 1:14 So the Word became human* and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.* And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) (NIV)

Having His glory at work within my life is still a goal and a prayer of mine today as an adult. We can read about Jesus’ glory on display through the early church when we read the book of Acts.

Jesus' disciples were on fire. Not literally, but they were filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Everywhere they went, the glory of Jesus shone through them. They accepted the Great Commission and began to preach the Gospel and heal in the name of Jesus. They were literally “Jesus with skin on.”

Acts 3:1-10CloseActs 3:1-10 Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o'clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,* get up and* walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) tells the story of Peter as he heals a lame beggar by the temple gate called Beautiful. This is one of the first recorded miracles after Jesus’ resurrection. This blind beggar was carried to the gate every day since birth in hopes that one day he would be healed. Can you imagine? Every single day. Holding onto a shred of hope that tomorrow just “might” be the day that you are healed. I can’t help but wonder if the man ever lost hope for healing. I imagine so, because one day when Peter and John walked by him, instead of asking for healing, he asked for money (Acts 3:3-4CloseActs 3:3-4 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

But Peter had something better to offer him. He came as Jesus with skin on, and in the name of Jesus, he was ready to help this man.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. ”Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:6-8CloseActs 3:6-8 But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,* get up and* walk!" Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)

This man who was crippled from birth was at that moment healed. His feet and ankles became strong, and he wasn’t just walking, but jumping and running around the temple courts praising God for this miracle! The glory of Jesus was on full display in and through the disciples, and in turn, it was then on full display in and through this once-crippled beggar.

Today my prayer is that the glory of Jesus would be on full display in and through my life. So much so that people will not only see it, but be changed and transformed by it as well, just like in Acts 3. May we become mindful and aware that everywhere we go, we can be Jesus with skin on. May others see and experience the glory of the Lord in and through our lives.

Let’s pray: Lord, may we always give You the glory for every miracle. Our reward is found in giving glory to You. Let Your glory be evident in and through our lives today and let others see, experience, and be changed by You in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

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Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.