April 26 - Money or a Miracle?

Acts 3:1-10

To more fully understand today's passage, we need to take a look at Acts 2. The church was new. The Holy Spirit had just descended on the disciples in the upper room (Acts 2:2-4). Peter preached an incredible sermon to the new believers (Acts 2:14-40), and thousands were coming to faith. The new church cared for each other in ways never seen before (Acts 2:-47).

This new band of believers is growing by leaps and bounds. Just days before, Peter preached to crowds, and he reminded them of the words of the prophet Joel:

I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below (Acts 2:19).

He also gave testimony to Jesus:

Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him. (Act 2:22)

Now, back to Acts 3. Peter and John are on their way into the temple to pray, and they walk by the crippled man who is always there, begging for money. When Peter looks right at him, he expects to receive a few coins.

But they had so much more than money to give him. Peter looks right at him, and says "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." And he does! The now-healed man joins them for prayer, jumping and praising God. And of course, the people in the temple recognize him as the beggar at the temple gate who is now miraculously healed.

Aren't we too often just like this crippled man? The Giver of Life is standing before us, arms wide open, offering us eternal life. And we ask for money....for crumbs.....for unimportant things. This C. S. Lewis quote rings true:

We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.

Jesus is offering you an oasis in the desert - fresh, clean water that will never run dry. Accept his gift. And gladly tell others about it. In these pandemic times, we Christians have the only thing that will last - what a joy to share with our neighbors and friends. Thank you, Lord, for your good gifts.