Based on Acts 3:1-4:31
Peter and John were going up to the temple. Once there they encountered a "man
crippled from birth" and his plea was for some money, so that he could survive.
He never realized that he could get way more than that!
Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said: "Look at us!" (Acts
3:4, NIV2) Filled with compassion, they knew what was true and right. No money
would ever completely satisfy the needs of that man. However, experiencing Jesus
first hand surely would! This is why Peter boldly declared: "Silver or gold I do
not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, walk." (Acts 3:6, NIV2)
I can't imagine what went on in that poor man's mind. Walk? Before he could say
anything, Peter took him by the right hand and helped him up. Reality suddenly
sank in. "Wait a minute! How is it possible that I can even stand?" "The man's
feet and ankles became strong." (Acts 3:7b, NIV2) He couldn't help but to go
about ". . . Walking and jumping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8c, NIV2)
Jesus was the reality to both of these disciples. Too often we act like that
cripple, as we focus on the reality of our worldly sight and standards (eg:
money), never realizing what we are truly missing.
People around the apostles were astounded. How could it be that this cripple
from birth was now walking and jumping? This was impossible!
Not so, if our reality is focused above!
It was truly a miracle. Soon both disciples were surrounded by so many people
who wondered how this could be. This was their opportunity to testify about the
reality of Jesus, the Christ. In a nutshell his message was: "By faith in the
name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong." (Acts 3:16a,
NIV2)
There was no denying this fact, as all could see the reality that the apostles
were declaring. There were no other possible explanations. Jesus is real and not
a figment of someone's imagination!
Even today, His followers can vouch for the reality of Jesus. On March 12, 2014,
a snowstorm dumped up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow in our region.
Drifting winds made the snow even higher in some spots, and especially in my
driveway. I planned to clean it before my wife returned from work. One hour before she was
due to arrive, I prepared myself for the onslaught. I was aware that I might not
have enough gas in my snow blower to make even a dent in our snow-covered
driveway, which, by the way, is quite huge, as we live in the country.
Sure enough, only a thin layer of gasoline covered the bottom of the tank, and
the gas containers we had were all completely empty. Time to walk in the reality
of the One who I know would come through for me. I prayed and thanked my Daddy
for His help with my task in getting my wife safely home, without her getting
stuck in the drive, then I went into action with my gas-deprived snow blower.
After barely 10 minutes, the snow blower sputtered. Again I thanked my Heavenly
Daddy for seeing me through. All of a sudden the snow blower roared back to
life. I was so grateful.
15 minutes later it sputtered again. Again I praised my Father for helping me
finish my task to help my wife arrive safely in the garage. An hour later, I
finished the driveway. I decided to clean the snow leading to the front door,
and the snow blower sputtered again. I barely had time to back it into its place
in the garage before it died for good. The driveway had been thoroughly cleaned.
Not bad with the little gas that barely covered the bottom of the tank! This is
what happens when our reality is on our Heavenly Dad!
Funny enough, the next day, when I entered my garage, I noticed a gas tank near
my snow blower. I hadn't noticed it the day before. Was it new? It sure wasn't.
When I opened it, I found it completely full of gas. Had I noticed it the day
before, I would not have experienced my Heavenly Dad fully. Thank you Daddy!
Jesus is truly alive, and He will come through for each one of us. This includes
you and I! May your reality be based on Him!
By the way, do you need any gas?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.