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Day 22: Peter and the Beggar (Acts 3:1-10)
In many ways, it was just another typical day. Peter and John were headed up to the temple at the usual time to pray. A lame man (who was unable to walk), as was his daily practice, was also being carried to the gate of the temple to ask for help. But something amazing was about to happen! For upon hearing the request for help, Peter and John didn’t simply slip by, but looked straight at the man for his attention! They didn’t have any money to offer, but they had something much greater to give! Prayer. And so boldly, by the authority of Jesus and not their own, they prayed that the lame man would walk. And instantly, we’re told, the man’s feet and ankles became strong, and the man was healed! And his reaction? To praise God! Why? Because it was by God’s authority that the Apostles prayed and it was by God’s power that the man was healed!
This was not just another typical day! How amazing that Peter and John stopped. How amazing that they prayed in God’s strength and not their own. How amazing that God answered their prayer in such a way. How amazing that the lame man could recognise with such a clarity exactly what had happened and who was behind it all. And how amazing that the man continued to praise God, with his praise becoming a witness to all who were present.
What a great joy it is when God interrupts our agenda - even the best ones - with opportunities to trust in him and give him praise. What a joy it is when we live as followers on the basis of Jesus’ authority. What a joy it is when our praise of God becomes a witness to those around us. May that be our day today! AL
QuestionsWhy does it matter by whose authority the disciples prayed?
Do we still praise God when our prayers are answered in unexpected ways?
Is your life so characterised by the praise of God that those around you - who do not yet follow Jesus - would be so directed to him?
Almighty Lord, we thank you that you do answer prayers in accordance with your good purposes. Please help us to trust in your authority and not our own. Please help our lives to be characterised by praise so that many might be pointed to you and your saving grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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By St Bart's Anglican ChurchIn many ways, it was just another typical day. Peter and John were headed up to the temple at the usual time to pray. A lame man (who was unable to walk), as was his daily practice, was also being carried to the gate of the temple to ask for help. But something amazing was about to happen! For upon hearing the request for help, Peter and John didn’t simply slip by, but looked straight at the man for his attention! They didn’t have any money to offer, but they had something much greater to give! Prayer. And so boldly, by the authority of Jesus and not their own, they prayed that the lame man would walk. And instantly, we’re told, the man’s feet and ankles became strong, and the man was healed! And his reaction? To praise God! Why? Because it was by God’s authority that the Apostles prayed and it was by God’s power that the man was healed!
This was not just another typical day! How amazing that Peter and John stopped. How amazing that they prayed in God’s strength and not their own. How amazing that God answered their prayer in such a way. How amazing that the lame man could recognise with such a clarity exactly what had happened and who was behind it all. And how amazing that the man continued to praise God, with his praise becoming a witness to all who were present.
What a great joy it is when God interrupts our agenda - even the best ones - with opportunities to trust in him and give him praise. What a joy it is when we live as followers on the basis of Jesus’ authority. What a joy it is when our praise of God becomes a witness to those around us. May that be our day today! AL
QuestionsWhy does it matter by whose authority the disciples prayed?
Do we still praise God when our prayers are answered in unexpected ways?
Is your life so characterised by the praise of God that those around you - who do not yet follow Jesus - would be so directed to him?
Almighty Lord, we thank you that you do answer prayers in accordance with your good purposes. Please help us to trust in your authority and not our own. Please help our lives to be characterised by praise so that many might be pointed to you and your saving grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.