Fifty Days of Pentecost Devotional Series — Tuesday, April 23

Acts 3:1-10 (click to view Scripture below)

God’s presence in any situation results in an obvious shift in the way we look at the facts of the moment. The story of Peter and John at the temple gate is a clear indicator of what happens when we have encountered the power of the Holy Spirit. Having walked through this gate on many occasions, Peter and John have likely seen this beggar before in what was probably his regular spot to beg. Why did Peter and John choose this day to stop and respond to his plea for a “donation”? I think this encounter is a small glimpse into the simple fact that we see things with different eyes after our encounter with Jesus Christ.

 

Following the day of Pentecost, the empowering Holy Spirit gave them insight into the hope that was represented in the continuing ministry of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. So, they stop and look at the man and tell him they don’t have what he wants (money), but they do have what he needs (healing)! The day of Pentecost and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit gave them what we sometimes call “illumination.” They saw this situation, not for its obvious hopelessness represented in the man’s lameness, but with eyes of hope that came from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. They look at the lame man with confidence that Jesus will continue His healing work in that very moment!

 
Byron Klaus
Vice President, ChildHope
Prayer:  Lord, give eyes to see the transforming work you want to accomplish in the lives and situations of people I meet every day!         

See other devotionals in this series.

Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)

1Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

See other devotionals in this series.

Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.