October 6, 2017 - - Acts 3:1-3 Christian Giving and Jesus' Glory

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

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 from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked for alms.

Acts 3:1-3 NKJV

Later in Acts we learn this man, the lame beggar, was over forty years old at the time of his healing. I wonder how many times Peter and John had already passed him as they went into the temple? How many times had Jesus passed this man also going into the temple to teach? I wonder how many times Peter and John had given him alms and how many times they passed him by until the Spirit of the LORD had prepared this lame man's heart and faith to receive all that the LORD had in store for him?

Each week there are so many email pleas for money for various excellent causes. There are organizations that still use snail mail and have all kinds of heart-compelling stories and pictures to woo a potential donor. Recently at my "go-to" grocery store the clerks at the checkout were asking customers if they would like to donate a few extra dollars to a particular cause. We are inundated with requests.

With this particular story a few things stood out for me. At the "God-appointed time" Peter and John helped out. Peter and John gave not alms, but gave what they could: the power of Jesus Christ. The moment was prepared for the glory of God and the growth of Christ's kingdom.

When the Spirit of the LORD stirs your heart to help someone, listen and obey according to the prompting of the Spirit. Give alms. Spend time in prayer with that person. Write that card. Invite the stranger into your home. Visit the lonely person who is on your mind. Sure, when you are prompted to give money to a cause, by all means, do so. If it is not the time to do so, do not feel guilty. The purpose in all our acts of obedience is the glory of the LORD Jesus Christ and His renown and fame.

Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ that You have given Your Spirit. Spirit of God, so direct all our living and obedience that all the credit will be reflected back to Jesus and through Him all recognition is given to the Father, Who is worthy of all praise and honour. Forgive me for the times I have ignored such promptings. Forgive me for the times I have acted and taken the credit for whatever it is I did. Let me decrease and let Christ and His glory increase in my life. Amen.

Post-script: for those who have been passed by; for those who are in great need of help--know that the LORD has appointed the circumstances of your life so that you will trust in Him alone. Perhaps in asking for help and in not receiving it, you are learning more of patience and what it is to rely on God when all other helpers and all other comforts have fled. Perhaps in receiving help, you are learning the humble cost of receiving when you can in no-wise repay the kindness shown to you. This too is not for the credit of the one helping you, but it is to the glory of our Savior and brings joy to the heart of our Father in heaven Who gave the Saviour to the world.