WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Opening Prayer
I come to your Word today, Father, with expectation. I am looking to you to teach me, to convict me, to show me how to live more closely with you.
Read ACTS 3:1–10
Peter Heals a Lame Beggar
3 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 who was lame 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 do 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.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Paying attention to what we are paying attention to can be revealing. What have you been giving your attention to in the last hour, day, and week?Our story today starts comfortably in the realm of the ‘ordinary’: two pious Jews adhering to daily rhythms of devotion, and a lame man placed where he could ask for alms—just as he did every day. ‘Extraordinary’ entered first through their eyes (vv. 3, 4). Their exchanged glances communicated expectation: the lame man’s, of monetary help; Peter and John’s, of heaven moving (v. 5). Jesus’ followers had seen the lame walk at his word on many occasions: freshly filled with his Spirit and power, why wouldn’t they expect to continue his ministry?
Things get interesting when we allow ourselves to see the needs around us with eyes of expectant faith. We don’t have to go out of our way: each ordinary day is crammed with opportunities to partner with God’s extraordinary kingdom purposes—if only we will open our eyes to see. We may not always be able to provide what people think they need, but like Peter we know we have something so much better to offer (v. 6). Life with Jesus is too good not to give freely, too amazing not to act upon, and too incredible not to invite others into, where uncontainable joy abounds!
Apply
What are ways God has given you to meet physical and eternal needs of others?
Closing prayer
Jesus, give me faith that expects the extraordinary and show me opportunities for ministry today.
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