Acts 3:1-11
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. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Have you ever been completely amazed? It is the most wonderful experience. I also think that it is the most precious to watch young children be amazed. It can be a most simple thing that can draw out that childlike wonder: a twinkling Christmas tree, shells on a beach, falling snow in moonlight.

As adults, we tend to lose the ability to be amazed. It becomes harder as we become jaded. However, as believers, the Holy Spirit helps us to see things we didn’t see before. We see how God works in our life and in other’s lives and it is truly AMAZING!

Peter and John were making their way to pray about 3 o’clock. The gate Beautiful was no doubt very busy during this time of day as the gates of Jerusalem usually are and everyone (and I mean everyone) knew of this lame man. They probably watched him grow up from a baby. If you have ever been to Jerusalem, you know how the people truly could not have missed seeing this man at the gate. The gates are not that wide. As he asks Peter for money, Peter responds by giving him what money could not buy. Peter takes his hand and lifts him up to walk. And he does. But he doesn’t just stand up, he leaps up. He doesn’t even take the time to stretch. He was recognized by all who saw him walking and leaping…and they are utterly amazed! He clings to Peter and John and praises God for what He had done.

God reveals Himself everyday through Creation, through circumstances, through His Word. Sometimes we take the time to “greatly wonder” about the miracles God has given us. Sometimes we take His goodness for granted. Do we cling to the Cross? Do we cling to our Lord? Do we draw near to Him so He will draw near to us, or do we take Him for granted? Be still and “greatly wonder” about all the Heavenly Father has done for you.

Written by Kaye Dee Richards. August 2018. Kaye Dee lives with her husband Colin in Morrison, CO. They have 4 children, Joshua, Amelia, Victoria, and Julia.

To contact Kaye Dee, leave a comment, message us on Facebook, or email comments@thebeautifulspirit.org.