Reaching out in Faith
went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.” It’s important to know two things about the timing off this event.
First of all, this happened right after Pentecost. Secondly, this event took place at the hour of prayer, which was immediately following the hour of sacrifice. Peter and John didn’t go to the temple for the hour of sacrifice, because they knew that Jesus had already became the only sacrifice that would be needed.
“And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.”
This wasn’t the first time that Peter and John had seen this man, because it says that he was laid there daily. However, since this was right after Pentecost, this was the first time they had seen the man through the power of the Holy Spirit. When a believer looks at people, they should see them differently than those that are not indwelt with the Spirit.
“And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.”
Every day the man laid helplessly asking people for money. The church should be a place for people to come when they have a need. It’s important for the church to pay attention to the needs of folks around them.
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”
God used Peter to heal the man. There are people all over the world that are asking for help with real needs. We must not turn away from them. You may not have the material thing that that person needs, but you do have that spiritual thing that they need, a personal relationship with Jesus. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people by faith in his name.
“So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”
When healing comes to someone, whether it be physical or even greater, spiritual, they will praise God for that great thing He has done for them. Those who experience the saving power of God will not get over it.
“And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
When someone receives the gift of Eternal Life through Christ, they will have a difficult time hiding it. Because of this, they will affect many around them.
Get outside the church today, and be the church. There are spiritually lame folks all around you, begging for your help. Reach out to them today in the name that’s above every name. Be Blessed!