I know, I know, it’s been a while. Sickness and holidays and just stuff…you know… stuff. I’ve hardly looked at my blog lately. Over Christmas and a couple of sick days I worked in all my reviews. Writing many of them past the time they were due and just back-dating them. 🙂 Today we are in Acts 3:1-10.
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 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. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them.
6 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!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 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
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
So I went to understanding the bible to figure out what is meant by the ninth hour. There I learned that the Jewish day starts at 6 a.m. That would be their hour zero. So the ninth hour would be around 3 p.m.
That makes me wonder how the work day functions. Do people start work at 6 a.m. and stop at 2 and therefore have the rest of the day to pray and do whatever? Or do they start work later and just stop for a while at 3 p.m. to allow time for prayers? I know, I know, that’s a total off the topic thought, but just a curiousity I have.
I also have to question myself. Is it a good thing to have an established “time of prayer”. Would that give an order to the day and a routine that would keep people from forgetting the importance of connecting with God daily? Sometimes the busyness of the day truncates any concerns about spending time with the Lord, particularly in a time of prayer that sometimes feels like talking to the air. I know God hears me. I know this. But sometimes it feels one-sided you know? Anyways, this time of prayer that the Jewish folks had I’m going to ponder on a bit more. About setting aside a regular time to just talk with God.
Acts 3:2
2 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.
Can you imagine if poor people would gather in front of a church asking for donations? What would we say or do in that situation? Would we reach out to them, or simply see them as the many homeless that sit or stand on the street corner? Another question is… Why don’t the poor gather in front of churches on Sunday mornings, or Wednesday evenings asking for help? Has the church collectively shown their unwillingness to meet those immediate needs? Should we encourage them to do so? I wonder what kind of difference that might make for us as believers?
Acts 3:3
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms.
I wonder what it was about Peter and John that stirred the lame man to direct his attention to them. Was it merely their presence, or was their something about them that set them apart? Perhaps it was they were going in together and it’s harder to say no when you are with someone else. ‘Cuz you know that NO ONE wants to look bad in front of friends, and helping others does make you look better. 🙂
Acts 3:4-7
4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 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!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
Needless to say, Peter helped him! (otherwise we wouldn’t be reading this story) Not in the way the man expected, but far beyond that. Can you imagine that man’s surprise. To have a man say “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” and then helps you to your feet. Feet that you haven’t walked upon for ages and ages (speculatively). Strength given to feet and ankles now strong enough to support your weight. Feet working so you are no longer beholden on family and/or friends to help you get to a spot so you can beg for help. It’s just amazing isn’t it?
Acts 3:8
8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Well, wouldn’t you? After not being able to walk and now suddenly you can? I can totally see myself doing a short jive across the floor! 🙂 Then knowing the reason for it!?!?!?!?! I would be joining him in praising God. But note: he was praising God which means he KNOWS that Jesus Christ is of God. Otherwise, would he be praising God or would he be confused?
Peter didn’t say by the power of God, or in the name of God, but rather “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth”. So he had to somehow know that God was involved. Ergo, he praised God for his healing. (not praising Peter and John, but God himself!).
Again, I need to ask myself questions: Do I really take the time to praise God for the things he does in my life. This man wasn’t asking for healing, he just wanted some coins so he could get some food, drink, lodging, or whatever. But instead, God outdid his asking. God healed him up. How many times does God exceed my expectations?
an example
Today for instance, I’ve been meaning to bless a lady across the street with some ice cream. She lives close to the pocket book and it’s a simple way to make her smile. I couldn’t get ahold of her all week (lives in a locked building) and it’s been COLD and snowy this week. BUT she has a little dog so I’ve been hopeful to catch her out. Today I did. And low and behold it was the perfect day to reach her. Her brother died this morning, and this was just the thing she needed. Having someone to care about her, talk for a little bit (not long as … bitterly cold out), and to pray with her. God exceeded my little gift by more than expected.
It’s so easy to ignore that you know? Afterall, it’s not as big as say… not being lame anymore, but it was important in HER life right now.
But today I feel convicted to say “God, thanks for that eh? Your timing is perfect.” He knows full well what’s needed eh?
Acts 3:9-10
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 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.
I know when I see God acting in the lives of people how amazing I find it, particularly when it’s a drastic change. Like someone becomes a believer and alcohol addiction or bitterness just leave them. That just knocks my socks off. So I emphasize with the people gathered around this happy, God-praising man. They would have seen him, so they knew his lameness. Seeing him leap about and his absolute joy in physical freedom would have been so amazing.
I wonder if they saw God in action or if they were simply surprised at his healing? Did this man’s words turn hearts? We aren’t told. All we can do is hope eh?
What have you learned of God?
God has reminded me of my need for thankfulness in this passage. I’ve also been reminded of how often God exceeds my expectations of him. What have you seen of God in these verses?
Let me know eh?
What to know more?
If you are interested in the rest of the series you will find them here eh?
- Acts 1:1-5
- Acts 1:6-11
- Acts 1:12-26
- Acts 2:1-13
- Acts 2:14-41
- Acts 2:42-47
- Acts 3:1-10
Leave a Reply