Today's Dev is by JACKIE BARKER, Assistant Minister at Emmanuel Presby Pretoria.
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Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts3:6-10
This first week of devotions is looking at the Gospel as service: The things we do for others can bring them closer to Jesus, can heal broken hearts, and can shine a light in dark places.
Peter and John are on their way to worship God when they are interrupted by a man begging. They could have shrugged their shoulders or pretended not to see him. They could have apologised or even sighed in frustration.
They don't.
It makes me wonder why they stopped here. Did they stop for every beggar? Did they pray for healing for every sick person they encountered?
Nothing in the book of Acts implies that.
But here we see them stop. I believe that Peter heard a whisper, felt a nudge, and became aware of the Spirit being at work here. The confidence with which he instructs the man to walk tells me that he knew Jesus was up to something here. In obeying, not only was the man healed, but a huge opportunity for witness opens up. The Gospel is seen at work and then explained.
This is Jesus.
This is what Jesus does.
This is how you can get to know Him too.
The beauty of the good news is exactly that - it is GOOD news. When people see it in action they will also want to hear of its truth. When we live our faith people will notice. When Jesus uses us to help someone else, to encourage another, to be generous in our giving, to give time to someone when we have little to spare - it will shine and people will notice.
We never know what the outcome of obeying a nudge or a whisper will be. It may be to simply plant a seed of truth, to water that seed, or even joyfully watch a seed grow into something beautiful. We would see people encounter Jesus.
Jesus in us.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Gal 2:20
I pray that as you go through your day today -- people will encounter Christ in you. I pray too that you will hear the whispers, obey them and every opportunity will be taken to share the good news.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
