But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)
Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray when they encountered the crippled man who was begging for assistance. The scripture reveals to us that this man was brought to this place daily so that he might receive help from the generosity of those passing by him.
As Peter and John approached the man, he reached out to them to ask for money. (Isn’t it interesting how we always seem to think that money is the answer to our situation?) Peter addressed the man while looking intently at him and said, “Look at us!” He did this in order to gain his undivided attention.
As the man looked at Peter and John, he must have been anticipating receiving a large gift. Why else would these men call out to him? They could have just walked by and dropped coins in his cup like the others. Little did he know, these two men were preparing him to receive the greatest gift a crippled man could ever receive.
The crippled man was expecting to receive the gift of money, but instead he received the gift of FREEDOM from the bondage of being unable to walk from birth. He experienced the healing power of the name of Jesus. Through his name, the beggar had been “Set Free” and was given the ability to walk like never before. What an amazing day for him: woke up a crippled beggar outside of the Temple gate; ended the day in the Temple walking, jumping, and praising the name of Jesus. He knew whom to praise because Peter and John had made it very clear that the gift they gave was in the “Name of Jesus of Nazareth.”
Peter and John stated that they had no money to offer but that they would give what they had. Notice the passage above, “But what I have, I give to you…” Peter and John had experienced the freedom of knowing Christ personally. They had been filled with the “Power” from above as Christ had promised and now they were given the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to touch the life of another through them.
As I read this passage, I must ask myself this question: “How many times have I just given money to someone in need and not taken the opportunity to avail myself to be used by God for a greater blessing in the life of the one in need?” I don’t know about you, but that thought humbles me greatly.
Lord, help me to always be sensitive to Your Spirit’s presence in my life and Your desire to touch others through me with the power that is found only in the name of JESUS!
In Christ,
Brother Tim