You've Got To Rise Up, To Get Up

There are times in our lives when we need a "miracle", not simply for survival, but to continue the promised virtue of being overcomers. Have you ever needed a miracle from the Lord? We live in a world where wholeness,joy and happiness seem to be constantly threatened by the daily conflict and turmoil all around us. But are we willing to be deliberately obedient and allow Christ to bless us to rise above the circumstances and remain calm despite the raging storms of life. Do you have a sense of assurance that no matter what happens, everything will be alright, and that we serve a trustworthy God who is always in control. If we believe that our blessings are inextricabily tied to our obedience, then this revelation will strengthen your faith!

This biblical revelation comes to us at a time in the life of the church when most would think it impossible. But we serve a God who specializes in making the impossible possible! For nothing is impossible to Him! It is lifted up in the accolades of scripture following a magnificent outpouring of the Holy Spirit that bought the manifestation of anointing of the church for greater works. It follows Jesus’ pilgrimage of appearances after His crucifixion. It maintains the promises of Jesus in miracles being made manifest in His name to give glory to God. Do you believe that Jesus will use people who are already doing the right things (vs 1)? Peter and John were on their way to worship. What are you doing with your time? Are you on the way to worship.....or simply ignoring the opportunity to do so.

Jesus uses people who can be interrupted. vs 2- “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 of them that entered into the temple; (3:3) Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.”

Most of us don’t like to be interrupted. Our schedules are way too busy for that, aren’t they? If interruption is not in our plans....then we simply choose to ingore it. Fortunately, Peter and John did not. As a matter of fact, most of Jesus’ "miracles" occured during "interruptions". Its akin to being like "fish with no water". We love to claim Christianity, but seem to fail or choose to deny the opportunities to minister. But God will use those who recognize or discern the opportunities to minister in His name. Every opportunity will not come before a great crowd of observers. Opportunities will not wait for cheering observers. Opportunities will not be selective about who chooses to take advantage of them. But, this was a purposed time, and Peter and John were on a mission for God. What kind of mission are you on?

Jesus uses people who inspire hope in others. vs 4- “And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. (3:5) And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.” Everybody expects to receive "something". No matter what your station of life is, the truth is that most people, whether rich, poor or destitute expect to somehow receive something. I don’t know of any person who perfers to be omitted from the blessings of this life, regardless of their contemporary circumstances. While pride may keep some from acknowledging their needs, necessity will urge them to perservere in their expectations of their needs being met.

Jesus uses people who use what they have. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:” That is a "hallmark" statement of our comtemporary church. We are so accustomed to throwing money at our problems, that it has become a temporary release valve for our accountability. Many would rather put money in a collection plate, as opposed to actively participating in the work. But the final analysis is that if it is not budgeted, or special offerings, then we must not deal with it. I wonder if people would prefer our dollars to our participatory sympathy? Peter and John chose not only to acknowledge the need and the person, but to do something about it. Jesus uses people who know their Source. vs 6b. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” Please notice, that the man could not receive unless and until he was obedient to the request/command to "rise up" followed by "and walk". This man asked for money......and instead received healing. Perhaps, the suggestion here is that we can be so overcome by our condition(s), that we accept it as normal, and do not expect relief from its conditions. We must always be careful not to make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Of course, the Word is prudent in acknowledging that this man was born blind...but it also acknowledges that this is not a permanent condition if given over in obedient expectation of God’s delivering power.