Title: The Currency of the Kingdom / Topic: True Riches

Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Scripture: Acts 3:6-8

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Observation: Peter and John encounter a crippled beggar at the gate of the Temple. They make eye contact and the beggar is hopeful that they will put some money in his jar. (Most people avert their eyes from beggars.) But Peter doesn't give him money. In fact he says he doesn't have any. But then, these words: "but what I have I give you..." are prelude to the miraculous. "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And the man is helped to his feet and he can walk and even jump around! Peter didn't have money, but he had the currency of the Kingdom.

Application: Unfortunately, most of our American churches cannot say what Peter said. We would have to say, "Silver and gold we have, (some much and many a little) and that is all we can give." Today, the crippled, the blind, the deaf, the demon possessed, we can only help with money. We sponsor a program or provide an outreach. But precious few are dramatically healed by the name of Jesus.

Money has become a crutch that has crippled the church. With prosperity and acceptance, we have drifted steadily away from the miraculous. But if all we offer is social programs without the power of God, have we not just become another social services provider?

Somehow we need to get back to the true riches of the power of God and forsake the religious urge to do good with our own resources.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,

Give us your power. We have lost so much. We say we believe in your power but we don't walk in it. Help your church repent and to come back to functioning in the power of your Holy Spirit. We would see the name of Jesus elevated, not by clever words, but by the demonstration of the power of God in our broken world. Help us, dear Lord.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.