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
Truly Alive! Facing Unimaginable Odds, Part 23a
Today's Bible Verse:
"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)
Truly Alive! Facing Unimaginable Odds, Part 23a
Announcement:
See part 2 of this devotional next Monday January 19.
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