Day 24

Memorize: Lame man is healed

Acts 3

Key Verses: 6, 15-16, 19

We look at begging from a very different perspective today than they did back then. Devout Jews felt an obligation to give to the poor. We feel an obligation to cross to the other side of the street. The man in our passage was looking for a handout, but got the opportunity for employment and responsibility. Begging was a relatively easy task in a life probably filled with difficulties. He got a break from trying to care for himself as he sat and begged. After being healed he would have had to find something productive to do with his life, a radical change. And people recognized that radical change. What radical change do people see in you that signals to them that Jesus is working in your life?

Peter does not pull any punches in saying that “you” killed Jesus. His hearers were responsible for Jesus’ death. But remember, Peter had denied Jesus as well. What a transformation the presence of the Holy Spirit makes in a life! Denier to proclaimer. Peter passes on all the credit to Jesus. Today we have the tendency to collect credit and cash it in for our own purposes. We build ‘ministries’ and organizations that lose their sense of direction. Peter keeps focus: Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him.

The difference between Peter and his audience? Repentance! So that is exactly what Peter calls his audience to do. Peter calls them to go to a place that he himself has been. Peter repented. He calls them to repentance. If you have not surrendered to Jesus you can’t call someone else to surrender. You must walk the road before trying to lead someone else there.

REVIEW: Run through John. It should be getting a little easier. Run any rough spots. As someone else to check it as you recite it. Take your time. Concentrate. You can do it!