Acts 3 reminds me of the only birthday present my dad ever gave me. He was not very present in my life and for some odd reason, when I turned 19 he gave me a hard-cover calendar-book. I began to use it as a personal writing journal. Writing helped me express my thoughts and fears, and gain a new understanding of my life. I don’t think he had any idea what he had given to me. Today’s chapter is about giving people what they need most. As we begin “Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer”. I’m sure they were just following their normal routine. At the same time, “a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate… to beg from those going into the temple courts” as he did daily. “When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money”. Instead of ignoring the request, “Peter looked straight at him”. The first step in knowing what people need is to observe them. Next Pete told the man, “Look at us!” When we are in need, we often can’t see beyond our own problem. They did not have the appearance of wealth. More importantly, what they did have was life-changing. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk”. Why do we give so timidly?
Peter took this beggar by the right hand, “helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong”. Words are often not enough, sometimes we have to actually get personally involved. “He jumped to his feet and began to walk”. There is a sense of unrestrained joy in that leap. As they went into the Temple court, he continued, “walking and jumping, and praising God”. His excitement was so obvious that everyone noticed, “When all the people saw him… they recognized him… and they were filled with wonder and amazement”. Joy is contagious, “the man held on to Peter and John, all the people… came running to them”. Many of God’s gifts are meant to be shared. Do you see someone in need?
Peter recognized the opportunity that God created, and began to speak to those gathered. Peter was a Jew, speaking to fellow Jews in the courtyard of the Jewish Temple. “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you?” They associated healing with righteousness and assumed these apostles were the source. Peter instead pointed to Christ, “the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus”. He continued, “You handed Him over to be killed, and you disowned… the Holy and Righteous One”. We cannot conveniently forget our past. Peter makes it clear that God can overcome our history. “You killed the Author of Life, but God raised Him from the dead”. Looking at the fully healed beggar, Peter taught them “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man… was made strong… and the faith that comes through Him that has completely healed him”. Peter then gave them the key that unlocks eternity, “Repent… and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”. Friend, do you need to be refreshed? Peter explained that this was the fulfillment of God’s Word through the prophets. He quoted the promise made to Abraham about Messiah, “Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed”. All people now have access to His forgiveness, but the message of Christ was first given to the Jews. “He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways”. Peter’s sermon is for us today because God is greater than our history too. I have a gift for you; no matter what has happened in your past, today is a new blank page. My friend, is it time to leap up and live out healing and hope for all to see?