There are reasons why the Church can descend into a limited version of faith without expecting something more. In that state, we will represent a dull and lifeless faith, not expecting that something more will be revealed.

After the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple entrance, Peter addressed the crowd of witnesses that had assembled and were stunned by what they saw, “While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade” (Acts 3:11). Their atonishment was not enough. Peter would address something more.

When Peter addressed the crowd, he said, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” (vs. 16).

Peter used the miracle to address the crowd, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus” (vs. 19-20).

Then Peter revealed a deeper and more profound truth regarding the miracle the people had just witnessed, “For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets” (vs. 21). The healing of the lame man was part of a process where the Lord will restore all things that had been lost when people followed their desires, not the will of the Father. Understanding that all things will eventually be restored would give hope to people when the possibility of hope seemed distant and unattainable.

There is always something greater at work than the miraculous healings we see happening today. They are reminders of a coming restoration of all things.