DISCUSSION:
I wonder who saw him first, Peter or John, as they went up to the temple to pray? He was being carried along by some do gooders, getting ready to sit him down at the gate. He was lame and had been since birth. They did this every day to give him an opportunity to beg for some gifts or donations as people left the temple. When he saw Peter and John, he asked them the same question he had probably asked a million times before. He had no idea that his life was about to change forever. “I don’t have any money” Peter said, “but what I do have I give to you: IN the name of Jesus Christ the Nazerene- walk!” (Acts 3.6) Are you serious, he must have thought, because it looks as though Peter has to grab his arm to lift him up. As Peter pulled him, he felt a bit of strength begin to grow within his feet and then his ankles; and then it happened, he jumped! He gained his composure, stood upright, and walked right into the temple praising God. This man had been hurting. No telling how long he had been doing the same old things, relying on the generosity of others. This man was seeking. Although he wasn’t looking for Jesus per say, he was looking for something. When people find Jesus they are not looking for Him. They are looking for happiness, peace, something to relieve their pain, a reason to live. This man came to know Jesus. Most people in this life are looking for something. They are reaching out, offering their cup to the world saying, “please fill me, please sustain me, please satisfy me,” yet this world cannot do so; only He can. So, as you go through your day, be more observant to those who are out there hurting, looking, asking, begging for your attention, and then offer them the only thing that can bring true fulfillment- Jesus!