«Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk» (Acts 3:6).
THE APOSTLES PETER AND JOHN had gone to the temple to pray at about three o’clock in the afternoon. There, they found a man who had been lame from birth, about forty years (see Acts 4:22), «whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple» (Acts 3:2). What better place to beg for help?
Worshippers went to the temple at about nine o’clock in the morning, at three in the afternoon, and at sunset. According to the biblical account, when the lame man saw the apostles enter the temple, he asked them for alms. Then Peter, looking straight at him, said, «Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.» What happened when the mighty name of Jesus was invoked? The Scriptures say that «immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God» (Acts 3:6—8).
Not even in his wildest dreams did what happened in the temple that day cross this mans mind. He asked for alms, but instead of a few cents, he was able to walk! He had never been able to enter the temple; at least, not walking, but that was the first thing he did «walking, leaping, and praising God.» Who could blame him for expressing thus the joy that flooded his heart?
There’s for us a precious lesson in this passage of Scripture. Just like many others, couldn’t the Apostles have given this poor beggar a few coins? Of course they could have, but they did not do so, because they had a greater, more valuable and sublime gift for him than any other: the gift of health bestowed in the powerful name of Jesus.
Do we understand everything this entails? Just weeks earlier, Jesus had been crucified; however, the miracle was performed in His name. The implication is clear: there is unmistakable, unfathomable, and incomparable power in the name of Jesus Christ. He isn’t a dead Redeemer. He is a living Savior. As Peter rightly said that day: He is the Holy One and the Just (Acts 3:14), the Prince of life (Acts 3:15), the Messiah of prophecy (Acts 3:18), sent by God (Acts 3:26). So was He yesterday, and so will He be today and forever.
What can you give today?
Today is the perfect day to speak to someone of the powerful name of Jesus of Nazareth, and of all that that signifies.
Dear Jesus, I have no gold nor silver, but I have Your love in my heart. Please help me share it today with those around me!
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Colaboradores: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
