Trying to Live Wholly Holy

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”

This was read out loud during worship about a month or two ago.  While it was being read, my eyes began to water.  This is a beautiful passage.  I’ve overlooked it time and time again.  But it means so much.

I mean, look.  This guy wanted money.  What was it doing for him?  Nothing.  He still couldn’t walk.  Then Peter and John came along and were like “We don’t have money, but in the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk!”  And the guy got up immediately.  He was leaping, walking, and praising God.  

So often, we think we need this and that to make up happy.  That isn’t what fulfills us.  This guy experienced the power of Jesus.  We need to understand that what God can do for us is often far beyond what we want.  He may not do exactly what we want.  Are we content with that?  Most of the time, I would say no.  ”I want what I want.  And I better get it.”  But God has much more in mind for us.

Give up control.  He does amazing things.

Go into worship praising God for who He is and the things He’s done.  Give God the glory and stop doing worship for yourself.