To the Ends of the Earth: Serving the Forgotten — Monday
Acts 3:6
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (ESV)
A long time ago, there was a man who begged every day outside the Beautiful Gate of the temple where Jewish people came to worship God. One day, Peter and John were walking by this gate on their way to pray at the temple, and the beggar asked them for money. Peter and John took notice of him and told him to look at them. The beggar did this, expecting to receive something from them. This beggar was used to a myriad of responses to his begging: Some people passing by would likely ignore him, and no doubt some felt pity and gave him some money. Others might have brought him food or other small gifts. None had ever been capable of addressing his physical limitations.
Peter moved beyond the man’s immediate need for money and addressed his larger and lifetime limitations. Peter, through the power of Jesus, physically healed the man, who had been unable to get around on his own since birth. It’s hard to wrap our heads around what a shocking turn of events this man experienced that day. We’ll talk more about his reaction tomorrow, but for now, I want to observe something about Peter’s approach to the man.
Christians are taught to help people who are in need. The New Testament is full of instructions about feeding hungry people and offering clothing, shelter, and other basic needs. Scripture is also full of examples that move beyond meeting basic needs to leveraging God’s power to bring healing to their bodies. While I do believe unequivocally that God brings miraculous physical healing, I also believe God mostly brings healing through His gift of medicine and the compassionate care of medical providers in our country and worldwide.
On Sunday, we talked about our mission partner, Lifeline Christian Mission. This ministry has answered the call of those in need in multiple countries in our hemisphere. Like Peter and John, they have focused their attention on people's short and long-term needs to bring wholeness and healing through Jesus. From giving free meals to starting churches, schools, and medical clinics, they have declared and demonstrated the gospel—the good news of Jesus.
Monday’s Reflection
When it comes to declaring and demonstrating the gospel, which one comes more naturally to you? How might God stretch you further in the other this week?
