One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 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. Acts 3:1-10 NIV
This man, according to Acts 4 was over 40 years old and had been lame from birth. He sat by the temple hoping those of religious persuasion would be merciful and give him some money. It appears he was operating in survival mode, doing the same thing everyday, not really expecting anything to change. I doubt he entertained other options. My guess is that he had resigned himself to accept the life he was dealt, to make the best of it, not expecting an radical changes. Yet God had other plans.
The temple represented the place of God’s dwelling, and here this man sat, day after day, at its entrance. He sat on the fringe, at the point of entry, but never getting any closer to a life changing encounter with God. That is, until the day Peter and John walked by. His expectations had been reduced to the hope of collecting enough money to pay his bills and survive the week ahead. Yet God had so much more He desired to do in this man’s life. God had a greater purpose!
Can you relate to this man? Are you hanging out on the fringe, not realizing God has something more for you? Are you in survival mode, just going through the motions; at the gate, but not getting any closer to a life changing encounter with God? Have your expectations of God been reduced to just hoping He’ll help you make enough money to pay your bills and make it through the week? Spiritual lameness is just as crippling as physical lameness and can be just as hard to overcome.
Peter knew the man was only expecting money but needed so much more! He needed to know Jesus, not just the One who could heal him physically, but the One who could transform his life on every level, like He had done for Peter and John. He needed to leave his comfort zone at the gate and enter in.
If you haven’t advanced past the fringe, I encourage you to change your expectations and reach for more! God has more planned for your life than just paying your bills and surviving another week. Allow Him to help you up, to heal you, and to radically change you. He desires to do amazing things in your life! Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b NIV
If you need help understanding how to pursue God’s plans for your life, I’d be happy to point you to the Bible passages that will help you understand and guide you through the process. Just shoot me a quick email: gripthesword@gmail.com.