Thursday, 10 January 2013

Such as I Have


Such as I Have I Give Unto You 
Act 3:1-12

This day began as an ordinary one for the well-known lame man who occupied a spot at the temple gate called beautiful. He had never walked and was carried to the begging spot that had become his work office. Without God’s help, we are like this man - helpless, desperate, pitiable, and immobilized beggars. The lesson from the healing of the lame man is that hope must never be lost. The harder and longer your problem, the more potential glory to God. Greatest miracles have taken place in times of great need. The more your situation is known the more potential glory to God.  It is likely that Peter and John had passed the lame man many times before but this time the moment of his favor had come.  They did four things.

Raised his expectation  v. 4 look at us.  The lame man did not expect a conversation - ‘please throw your coin and make way for others’ attitude. Peter was however confident to direct the man’s attention to themselves. He had confidence in the Christ they had. We have the answer in us. When the world sees Christ in us transformation takes place. Col 1:27; Mark 9:23; Eph 3:20; 1Jn 4:17  - as he is, we in this world.

Disappointed his expectation. v. 6  Silver and gold have I none.
His expectation of alms was disappointed. At this point he could have looked aside in anger wondering why they had bothered him, wasted his time and caused loss of  business. Thank God he kept eyes fastened on Peter and John.  Things may not have turned out according to your expectations BUT don’t give up on God yet.

Outperformed his expectations v. 6, 7 But Such as I have I give to you. Divine disappointment precedes divine overflow. His disappointment makes way for his offer. Look out for his ‘but’. Peter said ‘[But such as has been entrusted to me I give you]’. We are stewards or channels of God’s grace. Are you giving what you have? You have something to give. These signs shall follow believers (Mark 16:17).  We have an unlimited resource in Jesus’ name. That name is highly exalted above every other. When Peter lifted the man up (v.7) immediately he jumped to his feet, and walked.  He got far more than he hoped for, or asked for.  God’s eye is on the root problem. We often ask for relief when he wants to empower and develop us. The healing put a greater honor upon him. Lots of gold and silver would only make him a wealthy lame man. He now could work for his living and give to those in need, which is more blessed.  Will you allow God to do the diagnosis and prescription instead of spending most time describing and tutoring him about your situation and its solution?

Redirected their Attention.  v. 12 why do you stare at us. Peter and the lame men were not on the temple service program for the day. However when the man walked into the temple praising God they displaced proceedings. The healing opened  a door for witness. The miracle was unquestionable because the man was well known (Acts 3:10). Peter who earlier (v.4) directed attention to himself this time directs attention away from himself to Christ. He let them know that it was not by their experience, not by their training, not by their superior education, not by their silver and gold, not even by their holiness BUT by faith in Jesus’ name.  Believers are like lenses through which the world can see Christ. To see Christ they must look at us first but see Jesus beyond us. All glory belongs to Christ. When you see the lens, it means the lens is dirty.   

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.
Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.
Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,
204B Bram Fischer drive,
Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa  

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