Daily Devotional Tuesday 18th February 2020
by William Moody
Acts 3:1–10
The Lame Beggar Healed
3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.1 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.
Footnotes
[1] 3:1
That is, 3 p.m. (ESV)
Here we have a beggar who gets much more than what he expected. He was looking for a few coins but received a new life.
When we come to the Lord in prayer are our expectations too low? Do we truly believe in the infinite power and love of Christ?
While many would have ignored him, Peter and John look at this beggar and healed in the name of Jesus (v6). Are we keen to look at those in need, or are we too comfortable walking by on the other side?
In his new life the man walked and jumped and praised God (v8). Meeting Jesus, receiving His salvation is no small thing; it is entering into a new life, a new walk, a new heart of praise to God. Is there evidence of this in you?
The transformation in this man brought wonder and amazement to the onlookers (v9-10). Our salvation should be noticed by those around us. It is not that we put on some front, but rather inside there is a genuine change in our hearts which works its way into every area of our lives. Does your Christianity work its way into every area of your life? Pray about this.
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