He Leapt For Joy

Scripture: 1 One afternoon Peter and John went to the temple for the three o’clock prayer. 2 As they came to the entrance called the Beautiful Gate, they were captured by the sight of a man crippled from birth being carried and placed at the entrance to the temple. He was often brought there to beg for money from those going in to worship. 3 When he noticed Peter and John going into the temple, he begged them for money. 4 Peter and John looking straight into the eyes of the crippled man, said, “Look at us!” 5 Expecting a gift, he readily gave them his attention. 6 Then Peter said, “I don’t have money, but I’ll give you this – by the power of the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk!” 7-8 Peter held out his right hand to the crippled man. As he pulled the man to his feet, suddenly power surged into his crippled feet and ankles. The man jumped up, stood there for a moment stunned, and then began to walk around! As he went into the temple courts with Peter and John, he leapt for joy and shouted praises to God. 9 When all the people saw him jumping up and down and heard him glorifying God, 10 they realized it was the crippled beggar they had passed by in front of the Beautiful Gate. Astonishment swept over the crowd, for they were amazed over what had happened to him. (Acts 3:1-10 The Passion) I was struck this morning by the thought that this crippled man could have said to Peter and John, “I would rather have some money, thank you.” Instead he held out his hand to Peter and let him pull him to his feet. It was then that the power surged through his crippled feet and ankles! He leapt for joy and shouted praises to God. How often might we be asked to reach out our hand and receive or even give something? It really is about being willing and available; not about how much money or talent we might have. Father God, help me to be more willing and more available. It is not always easy. The sight of seeing someone ‘leap for joy’ because I was willing to reach out my hand of help and care is so worth it. AMEN God, I know that every word You speak is sure and every promise pure. Your truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful. Thank You! Psalm 12
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