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Daily devotional · April 18

Silver and Gold I Lack

“One afternoon Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And 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 entering the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! ” Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong. He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
Acts 3:1-10 (BSB)Read the whole chapter →

Peter and John met a man who had been unable to walk since birth, begging at the temple gate. Peter did not have money, but he gave what he did have: the name and power of Jesus, and a hand to lift him up. The man walked, leaped and praised God. We may feel we have little to offer, yet often the most valuable gifts are attention, prayer and a steady hand. Notice that Peter looked straight at him; he did not walk past like the rest of the crowd. Today, keep your eyes open for someone who is usually overlooked, perhaps a neighbor, a cashier or a colleague. Offer what you have: a real question, a kind word, a prayer. You may be surprised how much a small gift, given in Jesus' name, can change someone's day.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to those I usually pass by, and use what I have. Amen.

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