Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:8
Two sisters from India were born blind. Their father was a hard-working provider, but he could never afford the surgery that would give them sight. Then a team of doctors came to their region on a short-term medical mission. The morning after their surgery, the girls smiled wide as the nurse unwrapped their bandages. One exclaimed, “Mother, I can see! I can see!”
A man who had been lame since birth sat in his usual spot at a temple gate, begging for money. Peter told the man he didn’t have coins, but he had something better. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6), he said. The man “jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went . . . jumping, and praising God” (v. 8).
The sisters and the man appreciated their eyes and legs more than those who were never blind or lame. The girls couldn’t stop blinking in amazement and celebration, and the man “jumped to his feet.”
Consider your own natural abilities. How might you enjoy these abilities more, and how might you use them differently, if you had been miraculously healed? Now consider this. If you believe in Jesus, He’s healed you spiritually. He’s rescued you from your sins.
Let’s thank the One who made and saved us and dedicate all that He gave us to Him.
How might you use your natural abilities for Jesus? How might you enjoy serving with whatever abilities you have? Thank Him for the pleasure they bring.
Father, thank You for ears to hear You, mouths to praise You, and hands and feet to serve You.
INSIGHT
Early in their training, Jesus sent His disciples “out two by two” (Mark 6:7). It seems that Peter and John thrived in this pattern since they’re often seen working together (Luke 22:8; John 20:3–4; Acts 3:1; 4:1; 8:14). In Acts 3:1–10, we see them together at the temple. The Jews had three daily times of prayer: 9 a.m., 12 noon, and 3 p.m. (see Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Acts 10:30). The temple would’ve been crowded with Jews who’d come to offer their prayers. As devout Jews, Peter and John may have come to the temple to offer their evening prayers too. Additionally, and more likely, they might have come to tell the crowd gathered there about Jesus (Acts 3:11–4:2; 5:20–21, 42). Beggars were apt to gather at the temple because devotees who came to seek God’s blessings were more willing to give alms in the hope of impressing Him with their generosity.