I Get It

Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!”  The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money.  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!” [Acts 3.4-6]

I've heard numerous teachings on how to be healed from this scripture.  Here was this crippled man in need of a miracle and the LORD healed Him through the ministry of Peter and John.  It was a great day in that man's life!

However, what stood out to me today was not the crippled man in need, but the apostles in need!  Their Messiah was no longer with them.  And, even though they had been part of a wonderful ministry while Jesus was with them, I get the idea there was a temptation to give in to that sinking feeling of despair that the lack of money can bring (I know this feeling - it can affect everything!).  These men had left their occupations for the most part and now were launching something they had no way of knowing what it should even look like (remember, the New Testament had not been written yet!).

The same Peter who once told Jesus, ""Where else could we go?" was the same man here who, in that same deductive resolve, concluded that since he had no money, Jesus was all he could offer the lame fellow.  That 'resolve' is exactly what the Holy Spirit used to really kick-start the apostles' ministry.

Father, I get it that its when I am at the end of myself, that You are at the beginning of Your work in and through me!