Right Where You Are
Who can relate that at times, social media feels like a little too much? From seeing the crazy world events, to witnessing blatant evil, to the spreading of ignorance.. Sometimes I have to pray, take a step back, and evaluate so that I am not being conformed to the ways of the world, myself. But the other part of me is still grieved because I do care about the souls of the ones who scripture defines as “perishing for lack of knowledge”. Then other times, social media isn’t all bad as I’m often encouraged, enlightened and even entertained by those who spread God’s truth in their own creative way without diminishing the Gospel.
One commonality I witness is people who don’t know God and quite frankly don’t want to. In full transparency, it sucks that Christians get a bad stigma. Not because I care about the world’s view on Christianity -Scripture already warned us that we’d be hated for following Jesus Christ. It sucks because comfortability is preferred over truth -& amongst believers too. Also, because people have such tainted views and perspectives about Jesus. Sadly, it is sometimes due to believers who’ve misrepresented Jesus.
But I realized, that the grief I sometimes feel is okay.. That we should in fact be grieved towards the things that grieves God! See, our relationship with Him isn’t just for us to keep to ourselves. The grief should lead us into prayer and discipleship; not gossip, screenshooting or condemnation. The Lord calls us to discipleship via The Great Commission found in Matthew. And this, my friend gives me hope. Of course, I don’t have to try to save the whole world (or the internet lol), but I can start with where I am! Can I just say how grateful I am for that privilege?!
Not just me though; you too!! Jesus Christ has saved us, showered down His mercy and graced us through the stormiest of storms…Don’t hoard that goodness! Start where you are! Whether that is reflecting the love of Christ in how you treat others, praying with your friends & family, talking about God on the job, sending encouraging scriptures, lovingly correcting those who are operating in ignorance or even offering unbelievers hope, found in Jesus.
Today, we will look at this concept in the life of John and Peter as they encountered a crippled beggar. Acts 3:1-8a MSG Translation reads:
1-5 One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.
6-8a Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.
Notice what Jesus’s two right hand disciples were simply doing when they encountered the begging man. They were simply heading to a prayer meeting. Yet they also did not allow their mission to ignore the need that was right in front of them. Instead, they were open to their plans being interrupted for the glory of God. We too, must know that God does not only use us when it is convenient or comfortable. So we must be so sensitive to the leading of Holy Spirit. If we aren’t; we will get in the way of what God wants to accomplish. Peter and Paul started where they were. And keep in mind, this encounter took place outside of the Temple, also known as church. God does not just want us to appeal to the believers. He wants us to present Him to a hurting, clueless world too.
The next verses in 6-8 are simple yet profound.. In today’s world, money, possessions and titles are so glorified that unfortunately they’ve become gods in the lives of many. Sadly, attaining wealth is more sought after than attaining relationship with Jesus.
David Guzik said it best: The lame man was correct in expecting to receive something from them, but he received much more than the monetary donation he would have been satisfied with! Let this be a reminder for us to expect the right things from God. We are often much too ready to settle for much less than God wants to give to us, and our low expectations often rob us.
It is so admirable that Peter was fully aware that what he had, was greater than finances. Not only that, but he and John did not keep the goodness and power of Jesus to themselves. Rather, they extended it to a man who clearly had a need for something much greater than what he was begging for. I am sure we have witnessed people who feel that If only they had the riches, the six figures, a spouse or child, the house -then they’d be complete. And if we’re being honest, that has been our mindset at one point or another, too. The good news though is that we are complete in Christ!
I love that God knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t. And many times, we see Him give His people more than what they ask for. This man thought that money would make him complete but in reality, it would’ve only solved his problem partially and temporarily. Through the bold discipleship of Peter & John, God wanted the crippled beggar to be whole and completely healed. Ugh, God’s heart I so beautiful! In His abounding grace, the Lord wanted to heal a man who did not even didn’t attend church but instead sat outside of the Temple. God wanted to make whole, a man who did not know Him, nor call on Him. And He used His faithful servants to give the best thing we could ever give a person and that’s Jesus. Not only does God want to use us to follow this example; He wants to use others to help us too!!
We don’t see Peter acting too busy or too prideful in this encounter. In fact, scripture shows Peter going the extra mile by “taking the man by the hand and pulling him up”! Oh how beautiful it would be if we -who call ourselves believers; ditch the “cancel culture”, refuse to “return the same energy” and stop withholding the same mercy we need. Likewise, oh how beautiful it would be, if our brothers and sisters saw our needs & weaknesses as an opportunity to extend us grace and assistance too.
Thankfully, we don’t have to be afraid to ask for help, encouragement, prayer or correction. This is a picture of humility. If the unbeliever asked and was provided for, how much more do you think God delights in sending us help by way of people!? Notice, this man’s ankles did not become firm until Peter pulled him up!
Ministering to those around us won’t always look cute. We may have to forgive, go to war in prayer, be kind to the difficult folks or speak truth in love. And remember, love isn’t ignoring or supporting their God-opposing ways; it is lovingly being honest with them with the intent of pointing them to attain right living. Because we’d want the same, right? I hope so!
Remarkably, this account does not end with the beggar being healed and walking away. The man who was once ignorant to God “went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God.”( V8b) The first place he went was to church to worship the Lord.
My dear sis, I know people be people’n. But we may be the only Jesus that someone encounters. We are Christ ambassadors. I know we have our own things going on; but let it not deter us from extending the love of God from right where we are. Let’s also pray for God to send people who’d extend His unconditional love to us as well! This world is insane, people are lost and we all need some good ole Jesus! If we all operated as the body of Christ the way God intended; everyone would be helping, strengthening and enlightening one another. There would be far less lack, ignorance, and chaos among us. The final verse in this account wonderfully concludes, “The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.” V11
Because two humble, obedient, courageous disciples shared the heart of the Father; a man who was once lost, broke and crippled; found God & wholeness… ALL for his good and God’s glory!!
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, at times the world seems overwhelmingly crazy. But thank You for the hope that You provide! There are so many other people who need the hope of Jesus too. So use me right where I am to point them in the direction of Your glorious light. Forgive me for the times, I’ve kept Your love and goodness to myself. Help me to boldly share the Good News of The Gospel that the world may be a better place. Likewise, I ask that You’d send genuine people into my life so that like the crippled beggar, I too can be healed to wholeness and experience more of You! Rid me of pride that keeps me from helping ad receiving help. Rid me of fear that keeps me from proclaiming Your truth. Rid me of all insecurity that tells me I am not usable for Your glory. I pray for Heaven to come down and touch earth. Heal our land and drive out wickedness. Work in the hearts of all people because although we are Your vessels, it is You God, Who changes the heart of any man. I speak love, truth, mercy & grace, humility, healing and peace in the earth. And I ask that You’d be glorified in my life.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
