By: Kobe DarDar

Scripture Text: 

1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now 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. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6Then 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.” 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they 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.

Acts 3:1-10 NIV

Devotional:

First off, God can do great things when we are willing. Peter and John were on their way to pray and worship God, but they were interrupted. Interruptions can be the greatest parts of God’s plan. Peter and John could have easily walked by without saying a word because they needed to go worship. They could have easily told this man to go away, that he is “disrespecting” our Lord and Savior with his begging. How many times, myself included, do we make an excuse in our head to not share God’s love with someone because we are afraid or nervous? Peter and John have seen it first hand by Jesus that interruptions were special. They knew not to let their internal debate win.

Secondly, this man did not ask to be healed. He went there to ask for money. So why didn’t Peter and John find a way to get him what he was asking for? Because they knew something that was way more valuable. They knew that this man didn’t know there is something more valuable than money out there. A relationship with God is worth more than anything the world has to offer. They didn’t have to heal this man. He didn’t do anything. Guess what, we didn’t either. Just like the lame man, Jesus showed us love when we didn’t deserve it when He died for you and me. This lame man accepted God’s love and we should too.

Lastly, the lame man instantly gave God the praise. He felt the love of God through Peter and John. I pray for all of us to be able to do the same. To not only accept God’s love, but to let others receive the love of God through us. His joy and excitement were noticeable by the surrounding people. People that recognized him and knew him. They realized that is not the same guy I used to know. Something is different about him. Let the difference that God has made in your life be a testimony to those around you. Be an example. If you really live for God, people will notice that there is something different about you. Be the difference. Show the Love of God to those around you. Be bold in your faith.

Response/Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for my relationship with You. Thank You for the undeserved love that you give me. I ask that you please give me the boldness and confidence to be who you called me, so I can do the work you called me to do. So I can be the light to those around me in this dark world. Lord, please don’t let me look like the world. I don’t want to blend in, I want to be like You. Amen.