When you get more than you ask for

When you get more than you ask for. Acts 3.1-11

“Alms. Alms for the poor.”1 The Jews got it. The guy had no other way to make a living, so he asked for charity in order to feed himself. For the Jewish people, giving was part of being faithful to G-d. A few years back while I was in Crown Heights – a very orthodox section of Brooklyn, New York, I walked past a fellow with his arm extended, small metal box in his hand, ‘Alms, alms for the poor,’ he begged, in front of 770 Eastern Parkway – a very important building.2

Just makes me think of another man on another day a long time ago. Peter and John were among the devout Jews who went to pray at the Temple three times each day--9 am, Noon and 3 pm.3 Take a look at Luke’s account: “Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.

Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.” 1-11, Acts 3.

The man was just asking for money, but Peter and John gave him far more than he asked. ‘Twas a new day in town—no more thinking small… no more just getting by. Peter and John could have given the fellow a shekel, but God wanted more for Moshe, Samuel, or Joseph, (whatever his name) that day. So instead of giving him what he asked for, he was given his legs—far more than he had imagined!

Reminds me of the good gifts the Father longs to give his children . . . 4
Reminds me of what Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”5

Do you have a small dream, or do you have a small view of God? Maybe he wants to give you far more than you have even thought possible. He is good like that you know. God is so much more than we think of him.

Christine
PastorWoman.com

1 – If the line rings a bell, it is from Disney’s Robin Hood movie.
2 - the street address of the central headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement
3 – “Exploring the Book of Acts – chapter 3” – The Jerusalem Ministry of Peter and John, Grace Communion International
4 – Matthew 7.11
5 – Ephesians 3.20