Scripture:
Acts 3:1-10 ESV
[1] Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. [2] And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. [3] Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. [4] And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” [5] And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. [6] But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” [7] And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. [8] And leaping up, he stood and began to walk and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. [9] And all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Observation:
I know I have probably written about this scripture before, and I can’t help it. It’s honestly one of my favorite portions of the bible. I love the way it unfolds. Peter and John were probably lost in conversation as they approached the temple. Having no idea what was about to happen. I could literally see them going back and forth talking to one another about the prayers that were needed. For those whom GOD had placed under their care. The beggar is sitting just ahead at the temple gate. Looking at those who were approaching and assessing them. He had sat there daily and had a good idea of who would probably give and who would not. It was how he made his living. In his mind, the only option, He couldn’t walk, so he couldn’t work. Seeing Peter and John from a distance. He could tell there was something different about them. Maybe he had a chance of getting something to eat. Unaware that they had been sized up… the conversation went on between John and Peter, the gate quickly approaching. The beggar lowered his eyes and began to speak. Please, a little change, I’m hungry. Shame overshadowed him. He couldn’t even look at them. However, what he was unaware of was that Peter was full of the Holy Spirit and could see the shame. Telling the man to look at him, the shame started to fall, and the beggar saw that he had value to someone. Peter’s answer was unexpected. The beggar was looking forward to a little money, but what he got was so much more. Reaching down to grab his hand and pull him to his feet, Peter said, “I don’t have what you think you need, but what I do have is free indeed.” Pulling him to his feet, the man’s legs were healed. He began to jump and dance. Life would never be the same again. Everyone who had seen him sitting at the gate over the last few years knew that he was unable to walk, but now they saw him jumping and dancing and praising GOD. They could not deny what had happened.
Application:
I remember being stuck in addiction. My life was a wreck. A bicycle and a backpack, are my only possessions. It was so much shame that I could not look people in the eyes. Needing something but totally unaware of what that something was. Maybe another fix or a little bit of money would take care of my problems. It never worked. I was always left empty and still had the same problems the next day. I needed a solution. Then about 14 years ago, a man saw through my shame. His name was Johnny Lambert. He was kind to me and waited on me patiently to become ready. He never pushed or said you have to do this. He just reached down and grabbed my hand and simply said what I have I want to give to you. It’s Jesus, HE is the answer. That love pulled me to my feet that day, and I began to walk. My life has not been in the same sense. I’m not saying I haven’t stumbled. I have been knocked down, but I get up again. With Christ, you will never keep me down. Every time I stumbled, Jesus was there to pull me back to my feet. I know Jesus today because Johnny Lambert saw through my shame and showed me another way. I owe my life to Jesus, and I will forever be grateful to Johnny for the introduction to HIM.
Prayer:
Father, you are so amazing. Your love never ends. You know just what it takes to get through our shame and guilt. Your hand reaches down from heaven and says, “Look at me.” The shame falls to the ground, and we begin to walk. Thank you for your gift of salvation. Help us to live the way you intend for us to. Looking to christ, the author and finisher of our faith. We know that you do not start something that you do not finish. So we trust that in you the work will be complete. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.