Great Thursday everyone! Let us be in devotion to the Lord as we read and hear His word in Acts 3:1-10:
3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Our study guide for today says, "The two disciples share their “realness” with the man who was begging. The man expected money from the two, but got something far more valuable in that exchange that took place. What are your thoughts on this 'miracle?' What are your thoughts about the miracle of Jesus with the blind man in John 9, especially when the authorities brought him before them to question him? Who was being real and who was being false?"
The man got exactly what he needed, if not necessarily what he asked or expected. He got back the precious gift of mobility. The same occurs in John 9 to a man born blind whom Jesus heals with mud. Two miracles that most would have celebrated but for some just two occasions to further stop the work of Jesus.
Who was being real in those stories? (Besides Jesus of course, He's always real!). Where would you have been in both of those settings?
Where are you now in the work of the divine in your life? Are you open to the leading of God to the real? Or have you "blinded" yourself to seeing the awesomeness of God?
PRAYER: Gracious Father, before it is too late, open our eyes. Let us see just where you are and what you are doing in our lives. Let us see You for Who you are and what you want us to be. Forgive us all of yesterday and give us joy for the living of today. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
