October 15, 2021

“Empowered to See”

The word “see” appears nearly 700 times in the Bible. That makes it, by comparison, a very significant word.

I often miss what’s going on right in front of me. I have blind spots – both natural ones and spiritual ones. In Sunday’s text (Acts 3:1-11), Luke shares an incredible story of how Peter and John, while caught up in the busyness of their day, recognized an eternal opportunity and seized it for God’s glory.

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. ² As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. ⁴ Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” ⁷ Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. ⁸ He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. ⁹ All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God.  ¹⁰ When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! ¹¹ They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

The Holy Spirit wants to empower you and me to live like that!  He wants to open our eyes to all God is doing so we can join Him where He is at work.  

Learning to see,

pastor jamie

Remember that this week is Mission Offering Sunday.