Many of us resign ourselves to not expect much from God. We settle ourselves into a routine based on the limitations of the circumstances that are familiar to us. We don’t look for God to bring something new, or uplifting, or miraculous.
“And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.” (3:2)
This lame man had obviously resigned himself to his fate and was totally dependent on others. He may have been placed at the Beautiful Gate but he was most likely a man who felt on the fringes of society, in fact the ugly part of society. He had expectations- that people would give him alms out of pity. He did not, however, expect that life could offer more. He probably didn’t think he would ever be able to have true inclusion and acceptance. Perhaps he wasn’t used to being “truly seen” as a valuable person and perhaps that is why Peter said “ Look at us” (3:4)
That is the Christian experience. We are “seen” as valuable because of who we are called to be in Christ. It was in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that Peter and John healed this man. “And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” (3:8)
This man had settled for handouts but God wanted to give him so much more. How wonderful that he used what God blessed him with to glorify God. He was grateful to enter the temple where he had not been able to go before and to celebrate with praise. How do we react to the blessings that we receive? Do we use those blessings to praise and glorify God? Do we appreciate that we are truly seen, no matter how limited we may be in our circumstances, and valued for who God wants to transform us to be in Christ?
Speaking of transformation, the once fear laden, cowering disciples are now walking boldly in the midst of crowds and proclaiming the risen Jesus as the Son of God. Through their testimony, 5,000 believed that day. When arrested by the religious leaders, Peter was empowered to speak boldly by the power of the Holy Spirit. “let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (4:10-12)
Although the religious leaders didn’t like what Peter proclaimed, they were, however greatly affected by the change they recognized in these former companions of Jesus. “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”(4:13). God wants us to have expectations beyond our limitations.
God wants to transform us and empower us so that we can glorify Him and boldly proclaim Him to a world that desperately needs His saving grace. Not all may receive this grace, and in fact, they may choose to reject and persecute the proclaimer. The apostles prayed for boldness in the face of opposition and we should do that too. God wants to equip us to trust Him even when we face such challenges and He wants to bless us and astonish us beyond our expectations.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
1 Chronicles 16:8-11