TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Acts 3
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 3:1–10
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
Acts 3 starts with Peter and John encountering a beggar at the temple gate while on their way to the temple to pray. This person was begging for money, not realizing that his real need was to be able to walk. Being lamed since birth, he never thought of the possibility of ever walking again, especially when medical science had not taken off yet.
What did Peter and John do? Ignored the beggar because they have to do something more substantial—spend time with God in prayer? They knew that Jesus would always go out of his way to help the needy. So being His disciples, they did the same. Peter said something that eventually got him into trouble with the Jewish council. “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk.” Then, taking the man by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly, the man’s ankles and feet became strong, and he jumped to his feet and began to walk. People around him recognized him and were filled with wonder about what had happened.
Peter’s faith was certain by his intimate walk with Jesus. Peter also showed compassion towards his condition. Peter did not demand God to heal the beggar, of which he had no right to, but the teaching of Jesus reminded him that having faith like a mustard seed will move mountains. And that if we abide in Jesus, his words abide in us; ask whatever, and it will be given. This confidence can only come through an intimate relationship with the Father. And this includes going through difficult times where faith is molded. Peter knew where the power came from: “In Jesus’ name, rise up and walk!”
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of the faith and compassion displayed by Peter and John as they encountered the beggar at the temple gate. Grant us the same confidence in Your power and the same heart of compassion to reach out and help those in need. May our faith be grounded in an intimate relationship with You, knowing that miracles happen through Jesus’ name. Strengthen our faith and mold us through difficult times so that we may be vessels of Your healing and love to the world, in Jesus’ name, amen.
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