Straight In the Eye
Opening Prayer
Loving Lord, You are the “Good Shepherd” and the “Great Physician.” Thank You for Your loving care for me.
Read ACTS 3:1-10
[1] One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon. [2] Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. [3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. [4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” [5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. [6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” [7] Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. [8] He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. [9] When all the people saw him walking and praising God, [10] they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the result of this healing upon the crowd?If you are like me, you know what it’s like to walk past someone begging in the street, trying not to catch their eye. Peter and John had an appointment to get to. They had no money with them. They had every reason to hurry by. But they didn’t. Instead they stopped and looked this man straight in the eye (4).
This man had been disabled for all of his forty-plus years (4:22). He had been that way for so long that he had probably given up all hope that it might be different. Peter didn’t deal with what he thought he needed, but what he really needed.
Peter and John had heard Jesus say that they would do “even greater things” than he had done (John 14:12). Luke wants us to know that the work of believers is to carry on the work of Jesus. We can do that because the “name” of Jesus has lost none of its power. Jesus had said that his acts of healing were signs of God’s Kingdom. Now the power of God is in the hands of the disciples: Peter and John, you and me. But if we are going to see Jesus’ power at work, we will need to look the world’s suffering straight in the eye.
Apply
What does it mean to look “straight in the eye” of a needy person today? What might God have you offer them?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray for compassion to look straight at the needy around me and offer them help from You.
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