And a lame man 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.
Acts 3:2 ESV
In Acts 3:1-10, we find the story of the lame man sitting at the Beautiful Gate. This was the gate that was the entrance to the Temple. It separated the Court of the Gentiles from the Temple proper. If you were on your way to the Temple to worship, you passed through this area.
It was here that this man sat for years. He was 40 when he experienced the healing power of God (Acts 4:22). Since a boy entered manhood around 12 or 13, this man probably had been sitting at the gate for 27 years. Think of it...twenty-seven years of begging for enough money to buy something for each day. Every day he was there. In the rain, sunshine, heat and cold. Watching the people move about. Hoping they would take pity on him as they made their way into the Temple to worship.
He sat and watched as the priests entered the Temple to serve. He watched the scribes on their way to the Court of Israel. He watched as the Pharisees pompously walked past him, probably on the other side for fear he was unclean. He watched as the religious entered to worship, some giving to him and others ignoring him. None bringing him what he truly needed or desired--healing.
What about us? What are we doing with knowledge with have. What are we doing with our relationship with Jesus? Are we so focused on "going to the temple" that we ignore those in need around us? Do we give out "token" bits knowledge or even money when they need something much more?
Purpose today to NOT be like the religious who passed this man by. Purpose today to be like Peter and John: "what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus..." They didn't give him a temporary fix. They gave him Jesus.
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