February 25.
A Forty Year Old Problem

Acts 3:2

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

There’s a fellow in the text with a problem that was more than surface deep. Acts 4:22 says he was born a cripple. He was not crippled because of carelessness on his part. But he couldn’t enlist in the armed forces or apply for a job. He couldn’t play in sports or have a wife and family. His friends brought him to the temple every day of the year for forty years. He was in the right place, but still he had a problem. He knew if he was going to get help he had to come where he could find help. You will find more free-hearted people at the house of God than you will any other place. The man wasn’t begging at the casino; he went to the temple because his hope for help was there. Now what the man wanted was a donation, but he needed deliverance. He wanted some money but he needed some mercy.

Peter, the impulsive talker and John, the quiet one, were on their way to the temple at the hour of prayer and saw the lame man. Peter said, “Look on us.” We must not get upset because people look on us. We say to the world, “I’m the light of the world.” and then we get mad because the world sees our light.” This man was expecting to receive money from them, but Peter looked at him and gave him a great let down. Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none.” Now the man wanted silver and gold, but that’s not what he needed most. “… but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Peter had more than money; he had The Name. When Peter took the man’s hand, the lame man stood up. The Bible says he began leaping and went on into the temple shouting and praising God. His problem was solved.