Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

This story is justly famous, and it is the first specific incident recorded after Pentecost. I’ve loved the song made from this verse and the one after it ever since I first learned it, well over 30 years ago. It’s not that Peter and John were destitute, but they were not carrying money, for one thing, and they were well aware that money was at best a very temporary blessing. Just yesterday I was looking at an on-line discussion of how to help the homeless. This man was perhaps not in that exact situation because it says he was “brought every day” to his begging post, (Acts 3:2) so someone looked after him to that degree at least. However, in a number of ways he was analogous. The consensus of the posts I read was one that I would agree with: it takes real discernment to know what is right in each situation, but cash is rarely the best thing to give. Peter and John had insight to know that this man really wanted to be well and lead a productive life. That is true of many homeless, but not of all. They recognized that Jesus had placed authority and power in them, and they trusted Him absolutely. Those different factors combined to make Peter ready, willing, and able to say what he did, with magnificent results. We don’t have any record, but I’d bet anything that this man did NOT go back to a life of begging!

I am personally challenged by this story for a number of reasons. It isn’t unusual for people to come to the church asking for money. We have a firm policy of not giving cash, but I have given clothing out of my own closet and we have fed quite a few people. However, it has been interesting, as well as sad, how many people have refused anything except cash. One person gave me a sob story about their electric bill, (he said he lived with his mother) and I told him to bring me the bill and we would go to the power company and I would pay it. He never showed up again! The other side of that is the many people I encounter with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and how I am meeting or not meeting those needs. I have occasionally seen miracles of healing, but not often. I honestly don’t know if it is an issue of my faith, those people’s faith, or simply what God knew what was best for them. I would love to have opportunities to preach like Peter had after he healed this man! I need to keep growing in my own faith and fellowship with God and be willing to make a complete fool of myself if He doesn’t act, to give Him opportunities to demonstrate Himself if He so chooses.

Father, You know I most often want to exercise Your authority in the area of deliverance, yet even there I see sparse results. I don’t know why demons don’t flee consistently, and I ask You to teach and train me so that more people may be set free. Some indeed like and are satisfied with their bondage, but some are not. Help me be Your agent of grace toward all who are ready to receive, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!