Jumping for Joy

Acts 3:1-10
Peter and John were going up to the temple at three o’clock in the afternoon, the established prayer time. Meanwhile, a man crippled since birth was being carried in. Every day, people would place him at the temple gate known as the Beautiful Gate so he could ask for money from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he began to ask them for a gift. Peter and John stared at him. Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gazed at them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I don’t have any money, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!” Then he grasped the man’s right hand and raised him up. At once his feet and ankles became strong. Jumping up, he began to walk around. He entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. They recognized him as the same one who used to sit at the temple’s Beautiful Gate asking for money. They were filled with amazement and surprise at what had happened to him.  

When you hear this story, are you amazed at the faith of Peter and John? I am too, but I also love the witness of the man who had been crippled since birth. Here is a man who has never been able to walk and has always had to rely on the kindness of others to get by. He sees Peter and John and hopes they’ll give him money. But they have a far better gift, given in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene.  

When Peter enables this man to walk in the name of Jesus, the man enters the temple, “walking, leaping, and praising God.” Scripture tells us that “all the people” saw him walking and heard his praises. I wonder what impact this man’s testimony had on those who witnessed the healing. 

How has God blessed you? Do you openly give God the credit for the gifts God has given you and the work God has done in your life?  

Joyful gratitude is a simple way to share the good news of God’s love. Be openly grateful to God today; you never know who might be changed by your story. 

Prayer
Lord, thank you for your generous gifts. You’ve blessed us not just materially, but with love, grace, and wholeness. Today, I remember that all the good gifts I have are from you. Help me to give you the credit. Amen.