February 8, 2002
Take the Hand, Rise, and Walk
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask for alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, 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 lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them- walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Acts 3:1-9
We have all heard this story over and over and many of us have sang of it from childhood. Yet, I don’t think we understand it. Is there a lesson in this story for our lives today? This man was a beggar. He could not work. He had no way to get around, except for the faithfulness of those who carried him. Now, there are those around us that we carry day in and day out. Many times, it is because they are lame and unable to do things for themselves. However, look at what Peter and John did. They did not carry him! They spoke to him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and took him by the hand to help him to his feet. In this simple act, this man’s life was transformed. Where he could not work before, he was free to work now. Where he had to rely totally on others, he could get himself taken care of. I believe this healing was a real healing and he gave God all the credit for it. The people saw him walking and praising God. He was not quiet about what had happened to him. Many of us, in many ways, are lame. We do not walk in the faith that we are called to walk in. It is up to those of us who are learning that faith to take the lame by the hand, the right hand at that, the hand of the importance of God, and help them to their feet. This story could have had a different ending. This beggar could have laughed in their face and refused their hand. He did not have to take the hand and rise to his feet. I believe had he done this, Peter and John would have walked on! They would not have stayed to cajole him, beg him, plead with him, and so on to rise and walk. I am here to tell you that you, nor I, can change any other person. We can speak to them in the name of Jesus, we can extend the hand to them to help them to their feet, and we can praise the Lord with them when they rise and walk. However, just as with this beggar, should they choose not to rise and walk, we should not cajole them or beg them. We have spoken in the name of Jesus and we should let him handle it. I do believe there are times when a person does need to be helped to their feet more than once. As long as they get up and keep going, help them.
Now, what of the physical healing that took place here? I believe we should see those healings today. On the other hand, I don’t believe that healing should or will be indiscriminate. Peter and John knew the power and might of Jesus. They had no doubt the Lord would heal this man. This man took the hand and stood up. I believe the days of healing are here. I believe we just need this same faith to see the evidence of the healing power of God.
Father, in Jesus name give us discernement of when to heal and when to walk on. Lord show us who to reach out the hand for and who needs us to dust our feet and walk on. Lord, in Jesus name, we need this healing power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Father, in Jesus name we need this faith. Lord, we live in a cruel and dying world that needs a Savior. Let us have the boldness to stretch forth the hand and tell them of this same Jesus. Lord in Jesus name you give us wisdom in what to do, how to do it, and when to speak. In Jesus name, you reveal to us the mystery that was not a mystery to Peter and John. In Jesus name, open our eyes that we can see and our ears that we can hear. Let there be nothing hidden and misunderstood, Lord. In Jesus name reveal to us your good and perfect plan in the mystery of the Christ and how it is to be brought to completion, that we not hinder his return, amen.
All rights reserved: Amy Seelbach
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