Acts: Gospel Mission Then and NowSample

This was an ordinary day. Peter and John were going to the temple at the hour of prayer as they did each day. A miracle does occur, but the miracle wasn’t the point or the goal. They were simply practicing ordinary obedience.

It’s strange that this is significant – but Peter and John looked at the man who was in need. Between looking down at our phones or simply avoiding eye contact with those we encounter as we go throughout our day, we may miss opportunities to minister simply because we don’t lock eyes with those we meet. You may be amazed at how many more opportunities God gives you to meet the needs of others just by being willing to look up.

For a moment, imagine how scary it would have been to be told to get up and walk when you had been lame from birth. Though the lame man was rightfully timid, Peter had confidence in the power of God to heal the man, so he took the man by the hand and raised him up so he could see that he had been healed. The power came from God, but Peter was willing to put his faith in God on display for the beggar’s benefit.

Even in these few short verses, we get to see the progression of the man’s faith. He stood, began to walk, and finally, he entered the temple, leaping and praising God.

The lame man wasn’t the only one affected by his healing either. The entire crowd in the temple was amazed! When Peter saw the people were curious, he offered an explanation for the man’s healing by sharing about Jesus. Follow God’s movements with praise and an explanation. Let your words and actions work together as your witness.

In summary:

God can do extraordinary acts through ordinary obedience.
Be willing to be the bridge that helps others get to God.
When God moves and people get curious, share the gospel.

Church, let’s be available for God to use us where He has us.

God, help my words and actions work together to be my witness. Give me eyes to see people the way You do. When I aim to meet the needs of others, help them to see You more than they see me. When You show up and others get curious, give me the words to say to share who You are, what You’ve done, and continue to do with others. Amen.