Tuesday, April 28, 2020
As Peter and John approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. Acts 3:2-5
We continue with the story from Sunday. The story of John and Peter on their way to the temple and stopped by a beggar.
This beggar, unable to walk since birth, has only one way to make a living. He has chosen his spot – outside the temple where people of faith and compassion travel daily.
He was asking everyone for help, not really noticing who he was speaking to.
And then came Peter and John.
“Look at us”! they said, intently.
He looked – but he saw only from his limited perspective.
Peter was trying to say… Look at us, we don’t have any money.
Look at us, we’re not the typical people that come into this place.
Look at us, we actually have something MORE to offer, if you’re willing to see it.
What Peter and John had was the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the life of that beggar.
It is the same power that we have, River People. It is the same power that sends us out into the community to transform lives.
I see this power at work in you every day. Just a couple of hours ago I saw the Nelson family sharing their gift of music with all of us as they shared Beer and Hymns from their living room. It was their voice, their music – but the Holy Spirit working through them that transforms a community, physically distanced by this quarantine but united as one church!
I see this power at work in you when you share your gift of sewing to make masks for those who need them.
I see this power at work in you when you call to check in on people, or write letters or give financially to those who are in need.
God is at work, River people, transforming lives through YOU.
May we see God at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
Let’s pray:
Gracious God, thank you for the privilege of working with you in transforming lives around us. Give us eyes to see you at work, and increase in us a desire to share your transforming love, generosity, compassion and mercy in new and creative ways. Amen.
