Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, . . .’”
Peter makes reference to a simple rule of life. We can only give away what we personally possess. By his own admission, Peter had no money to give this man. It is interesting to note that from an economic standpoint, Peter’s condition was no different than the beggar’s. In the world’s estimation, a man in his thirties who is too broke to share his change with a beggar, is of very little value. Peter would not make a who’s who list in the 1st Century. However, if we look more closely, we see that Peter possessed something far greater than riches that tarnish and fade. Peter said,
“. . .what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Acts 3:6
Flat broke, jobless, and in a city that was not his home, Peter had more to offer this world than Pilate, Herod, and all the powers of Rome combined. Peter knew Jesus.
I wonder about you and me. What do we possess? If we were stopped on the street and searched, would they be able to find that Jesus resides and reigns in our heart and lives? It is when we allow Jesus to take possession of us, that we find we possess Him. It is when we allow Him to have all of our lives: our thoughts, actions, dreams, possessions, and futures, that we find, like the Psalmist of old, “Our cup runs over.”
What do you possess this morning? Is it Jesus? Could you give Him to the stranger on the street, or the person sitting near you at church, or the family member who is struggling to find meaning in life? Let’s determine together to make it our aim to know Jesus better so, through our lives, the lame may walk and the lost be found.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Acts 3
- Peter in John became men of prayer, as they learned from Jesus. How much time do you spend seeking the Lord and developing your relationship with Him?
- Sometimes we feel we need to give monetarily or in some other physical way. Peter and John gave an interesting thing here in verse 6. Is this your first choice in time of need?
- After this miracle, Peter immediately gives all the credit to the Lord. He disassociates himself from the miracle and points people to Jesus. He preaches what according to verse 19.
- God sent Jesus to bless you (or to make happy). Is the blessing of God ruling your life?
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 29- Hidden Things
Deuteronomy 30- Choose Life
Jim Gallagher 