The Well
The Well |
|
Connecting Hope to the Hurting | |
Monday
August 11, 2008
Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three
o'clock prayer service. 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. When he
saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.
Peter and
John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" The lame man looked
at them eagerly, expecting a gift. But Peter said, "I don't have any money for
you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get
up and walk!"
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him
up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened.
He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and
praising God, he went into the Temple with them.
All the people saw him
walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame
beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely
astounded! They all rushed out to Solomon's Colonnade, where he was holding
tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing
that had happened.
Acts 3:1-11
How often do you feel like you can't help people because you just don't have the money? Well, basically, it isn't money people need – they need a hand up!
There is just no telling how this lame man must have felt being carried into the Temple day after day just to lay there begging for his daily bread. He may even have been there when Jesus walked through those gates. Yet, he lay there unchanged and unhealed, but God knew He was there and He moved Peter and John to notice him.
Sometimes, like this lame man, all people know to ask for is a hand out. However, when we are operating in the power of the Spirit we know the difference in a hand out and a hand up. On this particular day Peter and John too began to walk in the anointing Jesus had made available for them. They were walking in new life and were able to share that new life with this man.
Occasionally, God will allow us to be a part of a supernatural healing service. When that happens our faith to offer a hand up to others is strengthened. Again, I can't answer why some people are healed instantly and why some have to go to doctors for surgery or other treatments, I just know that God has a plan for all of our suffering. Sometimes all we have to offer is an encouraging word, a prayer, or simply our presence. The key to all blessings is obedience; and like Peter and John, we don't need money to do that.
Father, I praise You for the anointing of the Holy Spirit that is available for us. I praise You and thank You for allowing me to know people who have been totally healed by Your miraculous touch. Continue to strengthen our faith and our hope. You are glorious!
