Giving more!

Acts 3:1-10

¹ Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. ² 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. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

⁴ Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. ⁶ 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!”

⁷ 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. ⁸ He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

⁹ All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. ¹⁰ When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!

What do I have to give to another? This is an amazing healing and specifically the first one we are told about after the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (chapter 2). I wonder if Peter and John have seen this man before when they have gone to pray or if even Jesus saw him when going to the Temple to pray and teach, which makes me think there are times when we don’t see until the Holy Spirit opens our eyes or when Gods timing is right. 

The phrase that has caught my attention is “but what I do have, I give you”. Peter had the Spirit and the authority of Jesus and so that is what he gave. As believers we all have the same as Peter … we have the Holy Spirit and authority of Jesus, how often do I realise this and give it? I also noticed that it wasn’t until Peter helped the man up that his feet and ankles became strong. Peter activated his faith, spoke out and transform this man life, he didn’t know if the man believed in Jesus or even knew of him, Peter just spoke out his faith in Jesus to heal.

I know when I think of giving it often equates to money, but Peter demonstrates giving is time, observing a need, prayer, faith and action.

Lord, open my eyes to see what and to who I am to give away what you have freely given to me, my faith in Jesus.  His authority to transform the lives of others ad mine.  Amen

Written by Suzie Hodgson