Going Beyond the Physical

“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. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."  And he took him by the right hand and lifted [him] up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.”  Acts 3:1-7

Verse 2 really stood out to me where it states that “they” laid this lame man daily at the gate of the temple. Many times, the church, the body of Christ is asked to help someone in need physically. I believe this is necessary and good for the church to do (James 2:14-17). However, if we’re only taking care of their physical needs, we are not doing what God has called us to do. 

Many well-intending individuals thought they were helping this man by laying him beside the temple gate knowing he would be able to beg for what he physically needed. What broke my heart was that they laid him right outside of the temple gates. For years this had been his routine others had helped him with. He was existing right outside of God’s presence. How many people in our community and people we come in contact daily are living right outside of God’s presence? I am praying I will not be blinded by my personal well-intended actions by just helping those physically, but to take it a step further and free them spiritually. God chose to heal this man physically, but even if He didn’t, I want to make sure I am giving those I come in contact with the opportunity to be healed spiritually. Lord, give me your vision to see beyond their physical needs and invite them to experience the presence of God for their spirit-man to be healed. 

Pastor Emily Christenson