CONFRONTING NEED
03rd Feb 2016
I have always been puzzled as to why the crippled man at the gate of the temple seemed to have gone unnoticed by the Jesus and the disciples, until the encounter that is recorded in Acts chapter three. While reading this story once again, I realised that as Peter and John were going into the temple to worship they became aware of this cripple as he was being carried to the spot where he begged daily. Possibly, he was usually tucked away somewhere few could see, largely hidden!
Peter and John may well have known about this man, and knew he was crippled, but because he was not in front of them, it was easy to ignore the situation. Now, here he is, right in front of them, how will they respond? Acts 3:4 says, “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.”
What was Peter going to do? He could have placed a few coins in the man’s hand and let him return to his begging place. He could tolerate the need, or he could confront it. Peter rose up with faith, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (verse 6) Immediately he is walking, jumping and praising God.
The crowd are astonished, a miracle, how is it possible? Peter’s response is, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” (verse 16)
We can have needs in our lives that lurk in a corner, and we throw a few coins in their direction from time to time to try and help, or we can look straight at those needs and confront them “in the Name of Jesus”, release His power and see a miracle happen.
by Charles Sibthorpe
