“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer–at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention expecting to get something from them. “
Acts 3:1-5
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
After Peter’s earlier sermon, heard by many residents of Jerusalem and the visitors gathered for Pentecost, the congregation of Jesus-followers experienced rapid growth. There was teaching and fellowship, shared meals, and prayer. Wonders and signs were done by the disciples, creating a shared sense of awe.
In Acts 3 we have a detailed account of one of these miracles.
A man who had never walked a step in his life was carried to his usual spot at a gate called Beautiful, so that he could beg from devout worshippers entering the temple for their afternoon time of prayer. There’s a notable contrast between a gate called Beautiful and a destitute man crippled from birth.
Peter’s response indicates prompting by the Spirit. How many people walked by the man that day (and on many other days) barely aware of his presence? This passage paints a picture of Peter’s sensitivity to a divine appointment.
When was the last time you experienced a divine appointment? Sometimes these opportunities come by way of interruptions. Peter and John were going to pray, yet God pulled them aside for something special. In our goal-oriented agenda-driven society, is it possible to operate with hands open to how God might surprise us?
You or I may not be gifted to heal long-term disability with a touch, but we can stop and listen and respond with compassion to someone in need. We will not know how to tangibly care for our community members if we do not take the time to know them.
Like Peter and John, we have something valuable to give away. Compassion-driven gospel conversations and actions can be happening wherever we go, whatever we are doing. This may consist of compassionate listening to another person’s story, spending the time to see and hear the people around us—even if they seem like distractions. It was the Spirit of God who prompted Peter and John to turn aside to a man crippled from birth, and it is the same Spirit who places our neighbors around us that we may embody the love of our compassionate God.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Is there a space in your life where you spend time with the people in your community?
- How would you answer a question like, “Why are you doing this?” when compassionately meeting a need on behalf of a stranger?
- When was the last time you were nudged by the Spirit to stop and give attention of someone? What happened?
Church Reading Plan: Ezekiel 19; Psalm 64-65