“Peter looked directly at him (as did John) and said, “Look at us!” So the lame man paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, stand up and walk!” Then Peter took hold of him by the right hand and raised him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong.” (Acts 3:4-7)
This chapter contains one of the most amazing stories of healing post-ascension of Jesus to heaven. And it is followed by the amazing address by Peter to those who had witnessed the healed man.
The lame man cried out and asked Peter and John for money, and instead he received healing which source was from Jesus. I can’t blame the man for asking for money. From the day he was born he was physically lame, a cripple who lived day to day by the assistance of those who were willing to carry him and those who gave him funds for food and items to survive on.
Unfortunately many Christians when they pray their cries out to God resemble the of the lame man. We cry out for money, for things, in aid acquiring things like cars and houses, for comfort, and other “stuff.” What do you think Jesus thinks when he hears the prayers of a believer that goes something like, “Lord, if it is your will help me purchase this $250K or way more home with brick siding granite counter tops and hardwood floors.” Or,” Lord, if it is your will, please help me get a new car and afford the payments. And these prayers, these cries do not come out of a place of necessity for survival like the lame man, but out of a place of entitlement for comfort. I believe Jesus shakes his head, and His reply aligns with Peter’s, “Silver or gold or new house or cars is not what I died on the cross to give you, but what I do give you is all the life, hope, healing and peace that is available to you if you surrender all these other things, and simply seek Me.
Then we to will rise and receive as Peter declared, “The faith that is through Jesus has given him this complete health in the presence of you all.” (vs 47-49)
Jesus, forgive me when the words of Peter’s address also apply to myself and my prayers. “And now, brothers, I know you acted in ignorance,”(v 49). Forgive me when my prayers and cries to you come out of a spirit of entitlement in me, out of American capitalism, out of a desire for more things and more comfort, and not from a place of surrender and cross bearing. I have been o blessed to be born in the USA. Yet, the wealth of this nation makes It is so hard Lord for me to not get sucked up into feelings I am entitled to more comfort, and sucking you up in my prayers to provide it for me.
My family, I pray over you a hard prayer, one that I need you to please pray over myself as well. That you will be freed from the entitlement in your heart, surrender all these things that try to control your heart, surrender it all to Jesus, and seek out not silver of Gold,but what He truly wants to give you, In Jesus; name.Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
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