“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, ‘Look at us.’ And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:1-10
An ordinary day anticipated the regular routine, being carried helplessly to lie helplessly begging for help by way of coins. Never a thought for more, or different, because this is how it had always been. Over forty years. Worthless, useless, helpless. (Acts 4:22)
But when the grace of God appeared in the disciples, and the Spirit of the Lord moved, all was changed. In a word, the cripple became mobile, the crooked straight, the helpless whole, the beggar a worshiper. New movement, new motivation- dry bones come alive. The whiner who never looked higher than to those he hoped would pity him instantly learned the new language of praise because the Divine. He’d been transformed from a despised figure outside the temple to one who knew the God worshiped inside the temple. (Ezekiel 37:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
In the flesh we settle for status quo, weaknesses that become us, sins that identify us. We stay on the outskirts, supported and helped along by those who never see we can be more, or prefer us a bit weaker or less than them. We have little expectation because we cannot see beyond the limits we’ve erected around ourselves. When the Lord breaks in to reveal Himself and restore wholeness in His name, our outlook and output change. The evident transformation and gratitude that result are contagious to those around us as they observe our new light and focus.
What in our lives needs the influence and metamorphosis of the Spirit? Spiritual sloth? Ingrained grudges, or unforgiveness? Habits accommodated into pretend righteous living? Pet lies we repeat in order to deceive, or have come to believe about ourselves? Would we set aside excuses and look with new eyes to the Healer, rise up and walk anew?
How would new clothing and practice of praise bring light into our homes and conversations? How can we offer hope of praise to beggars?
Lord, help me rise above what holds me back from freely living for and loving You, and others in Your name.
As the rain and snow 