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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