He Wants YOU to Participate! (Acts 3:1-10)

It’s a fascinating account.
Peter and John are on their way to the temple to praise God and to worship.

They see a lame man sitting near the temple steps begging for money.

That’s the only way handicapped people could earn a living in Bible days; they held out a tin cup.

When he saw both Peter and John approaching, he got excited thinking, Great! There are two men. I’ll get double the amount.

But Peter gave the classic response (that you’ve probably had memorized since Vacation Bible School days): “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, give I thee.”

In other words, “We don’t have any money. But we have something  much greater! We know the Creator of the universe. We’re on a first-name basis with Him. His name is Jesus Christ. He was crucified, but He conquered death and is alive right now. He has the power to forgive sins and grant you eternity in heaven with Him. Would you like to receive salvation?”

YES! The man excitedly accepted the apostle’s invitation to pray. And then—to the man’s surprise—Peter and John . . . in the authority of God Himself . . . healed the man.

Scripture tells us that he went leaping and screaming praises to God! He ran all around the temple courtyard.

We would, too!

Imagine: Muscles, limbs, ligaments, which had never worked before—now in fluid motion!

He could walk.
He was completely healed.

I love it.

But here’s what amazes me:
Jesus passed that man several times.

How often did Jesus go to the temple?
A lot!
The man had been there for years.
Year after year, his loved ones had carried him to the temple steps.
This was his spot.

Jesus walked right by him.

Why?
Jesus healed so many during His time on earth.
Why not this man?

Could it be . . . that Jesus simply wanted Peter and John’s participation?
Could it be that Jesus was saving this miracle for these two disciples?
Perhaps to strengthen their faith?
Maybe to remind them—after He had ascended into heaven—that His authority and power really DOES inhabit His disciples?

Jesus knows all.
He knew the exact time, moment, date . . . that Peter and John would approach this man.

He granted them the authority and power
exactly when they needed it.

I’m learning more and more that Jesus wants US to participate in what HE does!

He wants to USE us.

Sure, He could simply do each miracle with the blink of His eye,

But could it be . . . that He’s saving some things for us?

We are His disciples.
We have His authority.
We live within His power.

Are we using it?

Are you participating in all that God wants to do through you?