But What I Do Have
When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he told him ‘all scripture is God-breathed’ – divinely inspired to teach, rebuke, correct and train. (2 Timothy 3:16) So when we read it – learn from it. In Acts 3, it tells the story: One day, Peter and John were walking on their way to the Temple for afternoon prayer. They come across a crippled man, who sat daily at the gate to beg for money (the narrative offers no name, we’ll call him Burt, Burt the beggar). As Burt asked them for money, Peter says something very profound, “Look at us.” Look us in the eye, not over there, or there, don’t be distracted – but here. Knowing the context of the story, you can almost sense ‘you don’t want to miss this!’ Burt gave them his full attention, (expecting to get a few coins). Peter continues, “Silver and gold I don’t have, BUT what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.” (v6)
Peter took Burt by the hand and helped him up. You have to love the detail of Doctor Luke (who’s writing this), ‘immediately his ankles and feet became strong.’ Burt jumped to his feet, began walking and praising God. This caused such a commotion, folks saw and recognized him – Burt the beggar was up and leaping and having a great time of worship. As the amazement grew, so did the crowd. Verse 12, “When Peter saw this…” the opportunity was to keep talking about Jesus, (and he did).
Amazing story. What can we learn from this? I would offer some principles and applications. First, ‘One day Peter and John were on their way to the Temple…’ One day, YOU are on your way to work, in your routine, you are in the line at the grocery store, picking your kids up from school, having coffee with a friend. Every day – daily routine. Second, Peter and John, do NOT just walk on by (ouch!) they face Burt, make eye contact, engage him. Burt asks for something he wants, but the guys give him what he NEEDS – “In the name of Jesus Christ…” Whenever we speak or walk in the name of Jesus, we invoke the manifest Presence and the power of God! We are in a God moment! Third, follow-through! Peter took Burt by the hand (personally engaged) and helped him up (the ‘right hand’ specifically is noted. The right hand symbolizes strength). Peter is part of the process, a hand offered – help given. ‘YOU can do this Burt! With the POWER of Jesus and me, I’m with you!’ Fourth and last, Peter saw and TOOK the opportunity to keep speaking Jesus! Please note, when we help someone in the power of God, it’s not for them alone – it spreads… ‘all the people were astonished and came running…’ (v11)
As we stand only 11 days into 2020, may we commit to seeing those around us, aware of them, face them, make eye contact, engage them – and not just pass on by. Granted, we cannot stop at each and every person (we’ll be late for work, cause a traffic jam and our poor kids sitting and waiting for us). BUT we can be sensitive to Holy Spirit … who is HE emphasizing? Then act. We may not have what they are asking for, BUT like Peter and John, we can give what they need – Jesus! Invoking the Presence and power of God. May we be part of the process and see and SEIZE opportunities. Nothing is worse than within 2 minutes or less of a situation as we walk away, “O I should have__________!” we may have just missed an opportunity to help heal or free someone.
“Silver or gold I do not have, BUT what I do have, I give you – in the name of Jesus Christ…”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
I had the honor of teaching this at our Women’s Breakfast at church.
Inspired Fountain 