What I Do Have I Give You
Opening Prayer
Lord, may my ears be attuned to Your voice, my heart open to Your Word, and my life transformed by Your power.
Read Acts 3:1–10
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.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy” (Isa. 35:6). Express your joy for God’s redemption.
Think Further
Luke illustrates the “wonders and signs performed by the apostles” (2:43) by this one dramatic incident. The apostles were no magical miracle workers, but people with a genuine desire to relate to the kinds of people Jesus ministered to. This older man (4:22) had been crippled from birth and depended on others to carry him to the Temple gate, where he eked out a meager existence from alms given by passing worshippers.
Peter and John did not throw him a few coins and continue with the important task of attending the afternoon sacrifice and prayers. Theirs was a deep personal encounter. Each gave the other their full attention. The beggar was accustomed to disappointment, but this was different. Peter spoke the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, reached down and personally held his hand as he told him to walk. There was an instantaneous response in his withered feet and ankles and, as Peter helped him up, strength came. He jumped to his feet, walked, leapt and, for the first time ever (Lev. 21:17–20), entered the Temple courts with the apostles, joyously praising God. Such exuberant praise attracted much attention, which was intensified when the people realized his identity. They recognized God’s action and were amazed.
How often do we relate to the kinds of people whom Jesus touched (Mark 2:17)? Sometimes we just throw a few coins and move on to more important tasks. Our consciences might be slightly appeased, but we never really care for those who need his touch. In this personal encounter Peter offered this man the best gift possible, the healing power of Jesus, communicated through Peter’s undivided attention and helping hand. Then the apostles accompanied him, in offering God his heartfelt, though somewhat unorthodox, praise!
Apply
What situations of need might you walk past today? How can you focus on needy persons and offer encouragement or a helping hand or walk beside them?
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to live showing compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control. However, it’s not easy. I look to You to help make me loving and caring.
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