Read Acts 3
Katie Harden
Acts 3 opens with a striking example of what it looks like to be open, awake, and aware of what God is doing in our midst.
Picture in your mind’s eye a feeble, disabled man sitting at the “gate called Beautiful.” His head is down, as it is either too painful or too shameful to raise. He likely isn’t looking for any type of healing. He is simply hoping for pity and generosity. Most people pass him by without even a glance, much less interaction or almsgiving.
But as Peter and John pass through the gate on their way to the temple to pray, they look straight at him and tell the man to “look at us.” What an unusual moment this must have been for the lame man. Not only is someone actually SEEING him, but he is being directed to look back. In hopes of receiving some type of money, he looks at them expectantly.
These verses invite us to think about how we are looking for God as we go about our mundane daily routines. Are we paying attention to who and what is around us? Or are we on autopilot, just trying to trudge through each moment? What might we be missing by doing that?
The story goes on and says that Peter and John tell the man that they do not have silver or gold. I’m convinced they don’t say it sheepishly. I’m certain they said it confidently because while they don’t have riches, they do have the Spirit of Jesus. And it’s in that Spirit that the man isn’t simply provided for…he is healed!
What might we be forgoing simply because we feel like we don’t have certain things to offer? How much hope and healing could be given out by simply offering people whatever talent or resources we DO have?
In this new, fresh year, may we be a people who are aware that God is moving all around us and that we are being invited to join in by offering whatever it is we’ve been given to share. And may that bless the people and situations we encounter all year long. Amen.
Application:
Begin each day this year by asking for eyes to see, ears to hear, and the gumption to obey God’s promptings.
