1 00:00:00,569 --> 00:00:04,630 Speaker 1: But Peter said, I have no silver or gold, but 2 00:00:04,670 --> 00:00:08,030 Speaker 1: what I have I give you. In the name of 3 00:00:08,170 --> 00:00:15,420 Speaker 1: Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk. Acts 3.6 4 00:00:15,420 --> 00:00:20,580 Speaker 1: Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful reminder of Acts 3.6, 5 00:00:20,579 --> 00:00:23,600 Speaker 1: that it is not silver or gold that truly matters, 6 00:00:24,340 --> 00:00:29,180 Speaker 1: but the immeasurable worth of walking with Jesus. Lord, we 7 00:00:29,220 --> 00:00:33,580 Speaker 1: confess that we often get distracted by worldly pursuits and 8 00:00:33,640 --> 00:00:37,590 Speaker 1: material desires. Help us to focus on what truly matters, 9 00:00:38,370 --> 00:00:43,150 Speaker 1: your presence, your love, and the power that comes from 10 00:00:43,229 --> 00:00:47,529 Speaker 1: a life surrendered to Christ. Remind us daily that our 11 00:00:47,659 --> 00:00:52,720 Speaker 1: true riches are found in you alone. Strengthen our faith. 12 00:00:53,479 --> 00:00:57,740 Speaker 1: and guide us to prioritize the eternal power over the temporary, 13 00:00:58,380 --> 00:01:02,920 Speaker 1: seeking your kingdom first in all we do. May our 14 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:07,740 Speaker 1: lives reflect the fullness of joy that comes from walking 15 00:01:07,980 --> 00:01:14,690 Speaker 1: with Jesus. In his precious name, amen. Thank you for 16 00:01:14,700 --> 00:01:18,789 Speaker 1: praying with me today. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast. 17 00:01:19,790 --> 00:01:23,800 Speaker 1: Remain here for our mini-series, on the birth of the church. 18 00:01:25,160 --> 00:01:28,080 Speaker 1: If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it 19 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:32,190 Speaker 1: if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge 20 00:01:32,330 --> 00:01:37,510 Speaker 1: impact on our team. The Mount of Olives overlooked the 21 00:01:37,569 --> 00:01:41,690 Speaker 1: valley toward Jerusalem. The stone walls of the great city 22 00:01:42,360 --> 00:01:46,780 Speaker 1: erupted from the ground in might. The Mount of Olives 23 00:01:46,819 --> 00:01:50,310 Speaker 1: had found its own means of protection. with rows of 24 00:01:50,410 --> 00:01:54,930 Speaker 1: olive trees lining the earthen mound. Peter and John walked 25 00:01:54,990 --> 00:01:57,610 Speaker 1: about the garden, nestled into the base of the hill. 26 00:01:58,410 --> 00:02:02,250 Speaker 1: The pair strolled leisurely through the Garden of Gethsemane. They 27 00:02:02,290 --> 00:02:05,550 Speaker 1: had spent the morning with the other apostles, visiting the 28 00:02:05,610 --> 00:02:10,150 Speaker 1: homes of various believers who opened their doors. After lunch, 29 00:02:10,210 --> 00:02:12,730 Speaker 1: they had retired to the cool shade of the garden. 30 00:02:13,510 --> 00:02:17,220 Speaker 1: They crunched the brittle leaves under their feet, reminiscing of 31 00:02:17,290 --> 00:02:22,419 Speaker 1: days long past. Their years of following Jesus throughout Galilee. 32 00:02:23,100 --> 00:02:26,950 Speaker 1: The grueling days of providing for their families as meager fishermen. 33 00:02:27,630 --> 00:02:31,530 Speaker 1: And the nostalgia of boyhood. They would run through the 34 00:02:31,610 --> 00:02:35,090 Speaker 1: streets of Bethsaida without a care in the world. 35 00:02:35,780 --> 00:02:38,040 Speaker 2: Do you remember the day that James and I got 36 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:42,420 Speaker 2: caught stealing pears from old man Nathan's fruit stand after Bethsaida? 37 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:45,940 Speaker 2: Hugh and Andrew sure saved our skins. 38 00:02:45,650 --> 00:02:48,850 Speaker 1: On that one. Peter chuckled as his mind dusted off 39 00:02:48,889 --> 00:02:52,400 Speaker 1: the antiquated memory. He and Andrew had run into the 40 00:02:52,460 --> 00:02:57,720 Speaker 1: Sons of Zebedee, fleeing from the disgruntled shopkeeper. Being their 41 00:02:57,919 --> 00:03:01,640 Speaker 1: only hope of escape, Peter and Andrew had knocked over 42 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:05,760 Speaker 1: several ephahs of flour to create a distraction long enough 43 00:03:05,810 --> 00:03:06,970 Speaker 1: for the brothers to flee. 44 00:03:08,550 --> 00:03:11,829 Speaker 3: How could I forget? It was the week we finished school. 45 00:03:12,389 --> 00:03:14,950 Speaker 3: The only reason we didn't get into more trouble is 46 00:03:14,990 --> 00:03:17,870 Speaker 3: because our Abba needed us focused enough to cast the nest. 47 00:03:19,690 --> 00:03:22,700 Speaker 2: Did we ever tell you what happened after that? I mean, 48 00:03:23,220 --> 00:03:26,320 Speaker 2: probably not. I think James and I were both too embarrassed. 49 00:03:26,940 --> 00:03:30,480 Speaker 1: Peter gave a puzzled look to his companion. After all 50 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:33,840 Speaker 1: these years, he had assumed he had heard all of 51 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:38,290 Speaker 1: James and John's tales. Peter's face told John that he 52 00:03:38,310 --> 00:03:39,810 Speaker 1: should carry on with the story. 53 00:03:40,350 --> 00:03:43,360 Speaker 4: Well, I don't think we ever told you why we 54 00:03:43,400 --> 00:03:44,380 Speaker 4: were stealing that day. 55 00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:48,460 Speaker 3: Oh, you mean it wasn't because you and James were 56 00:03:48,580 --> 00:03:49,520 Speaker 3: spoiled twerps? 57 00:03:50,120 --> 00:03:53,100 Speaker 4: Ha, twerps? Yeah, I guess we were. 58 00:03:53,720 --> 00:03:54,190 Speaker 2: Spoiled? 59 00:03:54,570 --> 00:03:58,430 Speaker 4: No way. You see, that was around the same time 60 00:03:58,650 --> 00:04:01,110 Speaker 4: Arba was having trouble meeting demands on fish. 61 00:04:01,790 --> 00:04:05,350 Speaker 2: And no fish means no money. There was hardly enough 62 00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:08,330 Speaker 2: food to go around and, well... James and I thought 63 00:04:08,350 --> 00:04:10,690 Speaker 2: we could help out by finding our own meals during 64 00:04:10,730 --> 00:04:11,090 Speaker 2: the day. 65 00:04:12,150 --> 00:04:14,350 Speaker 3: Oh. I'm sorry. 66 00:04:15,610 --> 00:04:16,310 Speaker 4: I didn't know. 67 00:04:17,730 --> 00:04:20,690 Speaker 3: If I had, I never would have done anything like that. 68 00:04:22,250 --> 00:04:23,000 Speaker 4: It's alright. 69 00:04:23,250 --> 00:04:24,940 Speaker 2: I mean, what are friends for if not a good 70 00:04:25,060 --> 00:04:28,460 Speaker 2: jab every once in a while? But that's not the 71 00:04:28,500 --> 00:04:31,619 Speaker 2: important part of the story. You see, what's really wild 72 00:04:31,700 --> 00:04:34,779 Speaker 2: is old man Nathan came to our house later that day. 73 00:04:35,480 --> 00:04:36,320 Speaker 2: We thought he was going. 74 00:04:36,220 --> 00:04:39,080 Speaker 1: To rat us out, but Tears started to pool in 75 00:04:39,120 --> 00:04:40,400 Speaker 1: the creases of John's eyes. 76 00:04:41,060 --> 00:04:43,460 Speaker 4: But he came in with baskets of food. 77 00:04:44,260 --> 00:04:46,320 Speaker 2: It was the only way we survived until we could 78 00:04:46,370 --> 00:04:47,940 Speaker 2: actually help Abba with the boats. 79 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:52,230 Speaker 1: Peter felt himself holding back tears of his own. He 80 00:04:52,290 --> 00:04:54,670 Speaker 1: scanned the outline of the city in the afternoon light. 81 00:04:55,510 --> 00:04:59,070 Speaker 1: Thousands of people were moving about their own business, each 82 00:04:59,589 --> 00:05:02,810 Speaker 1: with a unique story to tell. They weren't just numbers 83 00:05:02,950 --> 00:05:06,219 Speaker 1: to be added to the church. They were souls to 84 00:05:06,260 --> 00:05:11,200 Speaker 1: be cared for and loved. And just like old man Nathan, 85 00:05:11,900 --> 00:05:16,500 Speaker 1: it all started with one act of kindness. One deliberate 86 00:05:16,550 --> 00:05:22,090 Speaker 1: decision to graciously provide what someone needed, rather than pouring 87 00:05:22,150 --> 00:05:24,790 Speaker 1: out retribution for what they deserved. 88 00:05:27,420 --> 00:05:31,980 Speaker 3: We should probably get back. The others will be waiting 89 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:32,360 Speaker 3: for us. 90 00:05:33,250 --> 00:05:36,370 Speaker 1: Peter placed his arm around John's neck and caught his eyes. 91 00:05:37,250 --> 00:05:41,070 Speaker 1: It wasn't until this moment that Peter realized just how 92 00:05:41,230 --> 00:05:45,279 Speaker 1: far they had come. He noted his friend's childlike eyes, 93 00:05:45,940 --> 00:05:49,640 Speaker 1: now sunken into a face withered by the complexities of life. 94 00:05:50,460 --> 00:05:55,850 Speaker 1: Their years of youth had seamlessly blended into adulthood. But 95 00:05:55,940 --> 00:05:59,010 Speaker 1: now it was as if their time with Jesus had 96 00:05:59,070 --> 00:06:02,529 Speaker 1: been like a pot hung to heat over a rippling fire, 97 00:06:03,180 --> 00:06:07,270 Speaker 1: Boiling over with a veracity since the outpouring of the Spirit, 98 00:06:07,890 --> 00:06:10,850 Speaker 1: Peter guarded his heart against being overwhelmed by the fact. 99 00:06:11,570 --> 00:06:15,440 Speaker 1: He reminded himself that the Spirit was calling him to small, 100 00:06:15,960 --> 00:06:20,530 Speaker 1: deliberate acts of faith at a time, just one step 101 00:06:20,810 --> 00:06:22,110 Speaker 1: forward each day. 102 00:06:31,990 --> 00:06:34,989 Speaker 5: Sometimes what we think we need and what we actually 103 00:06:35,050 --> 00:06:37,810 Speaker 5: need are two different things. It takes an open heart 104 00:06:37,930 --> 00:06:41,090 Speaker 5: and a keen eye to see the difference. Welcome to 105 00:06:41,330 --> 00:06:44,680 Speaker 5: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, here 106 00:06:44,690 --> 00:06:47,120 Speaker 5: to guide you through another saga on the birth of 107 00:06:47,140 --> 00:06:50,120 Speaker 5: the church. If you haven't yet followed this podcast and 108 00:06:50,140 --> 00:06:52,400 Speaker 5: you've been enjoying it so far, make sure to do so, 109 00:06:52,620 --> 00:06:55,760 Speaker 5: so you never miss an episode. Today, we find ourselves 110 00:06:55,930 --> 00:06:59,020 Speaker 5: at the gate called Beautiful. a name that sounds like 111 00:06:59,040 --> 00:07:01,619 Speaker 5: it was plucked from a travel brochure, but is actually 112 00:07:01,660 --> 00:07:03,760 Speaker 5: the setting for one of the most powerful stories in 113 00:07:03,779 --> 00:07:06,740 Speaker 5: the book of Acts. Acts 3, 1-10 tells us about 114 00:07:06,779 --> 00:07:09,900 Speaker 5: a man whose life was forever changed, not by the 115 00:07:09,940 --> 00:07:12,650 Speaker 5: silver and gold that he expected, but by the power 116 00:07:12,950 --> 00:07:13,830 Speaker 5: of Jesus Christ. 117 00:07:16,930 --> 00:07:20,090 Speaker 1: The entrance to the temple courtyards rumbled with the low, 118 00:07:20,190 --> 00:07:24,070 Speaker 1: steady beat of footsteps. Men and women marched up the 119 00:07:24,110 --> 00:07:27,210 Speaker 1: steps of the temple mount. as they flowed in and 120 00:07:27,370 --> 00:07:31,790 Speaker 1: out of worship. Some came to genuinely worship the living God, 121 00:07:32,650 --> 00:07:37,570 Speaker 1: while others came and wrote ritual as dutiful Jews. An 122 00:07:37,630 --> 00:07:41,730 Speaker 1: exception to both of these was Ira. He had been 123 00:07:41,790 --> 00:07:44,890 Speaker 1: lame since the days of his youth and had settled 124 00:07:45,010 --> 00:07:47,910 Speaker 1: in to the life of a beggar. Daily he would 125 00:07:47,930 --> 00:07:51,390 Speaker 1: be carried to the temple gates in hopes of catching 126 00:07:51,650 --> 00:07:55,560 Speaker 1: the spare change of worshipers compelled to demonstrate an act 127 00:07:55,620 --> 00:07:59,460 Speaker 1: of generosity. He would tuck himself into a disheveled heap 128 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:03,620 Speaker 1: on one of the stone steps, wooden bowl by his side. 129 00:08:04,520 --> 00:08:09,429 Speaker 1: This was his most cherished possession. Years of coins being 130 00:08:09,610 --> 00:08:13,850 Speaker 1: unaffectionately strewn into the cup and littered the inside with 131 00:08:13,950 --> 00:08:19,390 Speaker 1: dents and bruises. Ira couldn't help but relate. Every coin 132 00:08:19,470 --> 00:08:22,610 Speaker 1: placed in the small dish was was a reminder of 133 00:08:22,690 --> 00:08:28,940 Speaker 1: his unfortunate handicap in life, bruising his confidence and sense 134 00:08:28,980 --> 00:08:32,760 Speaker 1: of identity. He had to fight himself from assuming others' 135 00:08:32,820 --> 00:08:38,420 Speaker 1: generosity was rooted in pity. He studied the courtyard as 136 00:08:38,500 --> 00:08:41,840 Speaker 1: several of his companions jostled him down the colonnades on 137 00:08:41,880 --> 00:08:42,300 Speaker 1: a stretcher. 138 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:46,080 Speaker 6: Just a little further, Titsa. Not too close to the 139 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:49,959 Speaker 6: offering boxes. I'll have better luck with people coming in 140 00:08:50,059 --> 00:08:50,820 Speaker 6: than going out. 141 00:08:51,530 --> 00:08:54,930 Speaker 1: The woman carrying Ira's bed closest to his head chortled. 142 00:08:55,809 --> 00:08:57,929 Speaker 7: I have to give it to you, Ira. You've got 143 00:08:57,950 --> 00:09:00,760 Speaker 7: this place mapped out better than the priests themselves. 144 00:09:00,780 --> 00:09:04,440 Speaker 1: Ira winced at the agony. His family was of the 145 00:09:04,480 --> 00:09:07,880 Speaker 1: tribe of Levi. He had often wondered if he would 146 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:12,450 Speaker 1: have been a priest under vastly different circumstances. But he 147 00:09:12,470 --> 00:09:15,130 Speaker 1: didn't let the thought linger for too long, for he 148 00:09:15,210 --> 00:09:18,449 Speaker 1: knew that was when the bitter roots started to grow. 149 00:09:19,330 --> 00:09:23,290 Speaker 1: As a beggar, he was often ignored, if not mocked 150 00:09:23,809 --> 00:09:28,310 Speaker 1: or unintentionally abused, with the kicks and shoves of distracted 151 00:09:28,410 --> 00:09:32,830 Speaker 1: Jews hurrying on their way into the temple. On one occasion, 152 00:09:32,870 --> 00:09:36,010 Speaker 1: a young man had accidentally struck Ira's bull with his foot, 153 00:09:36,990 --> 00:09:42,270 Speaker 1: sending his collections to scatter across the walkway. Several passers-by 154 00:09:42,350 --> 00:09:46,080 Speaker 1: bent over to retrieve the fallen money. He assumed they 155 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:50,620 Speaker 1: were helping the lame man. regather his modest revenue, but 156 00:09:50,660 --> 00:09:54,920 Speaker 1: could only idly watch as the coins were discreetly slipped 157 00:09:55,309 --> 00:09:59,630 Speaker 1: into greedy pockets. Ira had watched other beggars like himself. 158 00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:05,490 Speaker 1: grow malcontent against the cold world. They would have ridiculed 159 00:10:05,520 --> 00:10:09,970 Speaker 1: the selflessness of society, though never to any effect. But 160 00:10:10,170 --> 00:10:13,790 Speaker 1: Ira refused to resign himself to the burden of a 161 00:10:13,850 --> 00:10:19,250 Speaker 1: bitter heart. His only consolation was convincing himself that perhaps 162 00:10:19,370 --> 00:10:23,030 Speaker 1: their needs... were greater than his own. He knew it 163 00:10:23,070 --> 00:10:26,730 Speaker 1: was only a facade to protect himself from losing hope 164 00:10:27,590 --> 00:10:30,910 Speaker 1: in there being a threat of goodness still left in 165 00:10:30,929 --> 00:10:34,890 Speaker 1: the world. Ira felt his bearers come to a halt. 166 00:10:35,510 --> 00:10:36,329 Speaker 7: How's this spot? 167 00:10:36,670 --> 00:10:38,330 Speaker 4: This should do just fine. 168 00:10:38,750 --> 00:10:39,830 Speaker 7: Do you need anything else? 169 00:10:40,309 --> 00:10:42,110 Speaker 4: A new set of legs would be great. 170 00:10:43,250 --> 00:10:45,270 Speaker 7: I'll let you know what we can find in the market. 171 00:10:45,980 --> 00:10:48,580 Speaker 7: We'll be back this evening. Now don't go wandering off 172 00:10:48,630 --> 00:10:49,240 Speaker 7: in the meantime. 173 00:10:49,800 --> 00:10:53,099 Speaker 1: Ira laughed. Making light of his situation was all he 174 00:10:53,140 --> 00:10:55,950 Speaker 1: could do after decades of coming to grips with his 175 00:10:56,030 --> 00:10:59,610 Speaker 1: lot in life. No amount of complaining could change his 176 00:10:59,710 --> 00:11:04,090 Speaker 1: outlook for the better. Tertza rested her hand delicately on 177 00:11:04,210 --> 00:11:04,830 Speaker 1: Ira's shoulder. 178 00:11:05,630 --> 00:11:09,290 Speaker 7: But in all seriousness, do mind yourself out here. The 179 00:11:09,340 --> 00:11:13,160 Speaker 7: crowds have been different in the temple lately. I haven't 180 00:11:13,179 --> 00:11:16,260 Speaker 7: seen a restlessness like this since that preacher from Nazareth 181 00:11:16,320 --> 00:11:17,900 Speaker 7: would make his rounds through the city. 182 00:11:18,800 --> 00:11:22,520 Speaker 1: Ira had heard the stories. Gatherings of hundreds of people 183 00:11:22,559 --> 00:11:26,240 Speaker 1: had begun popping up all around the city, with rumors 184 00:11:26,350 --> 00:11:30,870 Speaker 1: of mysterious works present among them. Not giving much thought 185 00:11:30,890 --> 00:11:34,170 Speaker 1: to the matter, Ira began to set up his ramshackle business. 186 00:11:34,890 --> 00:11:38,450 Speaker 1: He set his bowl beside him, and he neatly adjusted 187 00:11:38,490 --> 00:11:42,709 Speaker 1: his robes to cover his withered legs. Putting a small 188 00:11:42,790 --> 00:11:46,209 Speaker 1: cushion behind him, he leaned his back against a pillar 189 00:11:46,809 --> 00:11:49,140 Speaker 1: and sat as upright as his body would allow him. 190 00:11:50,070 --> 00:11:52,550 Speaker 1: Over the years, he had learned the perfect balance of 191 00:11:52,630 --> 00:11:57,370 Speaker 1: dignity and neediness. Too much of one or the other, 192 00:11:57,870 --> 00:12:01,270 Speaker 1: and the people would ignore his requests for their passive aid. 193 00:12:04,290 --> 00:12:06,800 Speaker 1: In the heart of the city, Peter and John strode 194 00:12:06,860 --> 00:12:10,120 Speaker 1: down the streets of Jerusalem, making their way to the 195 00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:13,280 Speaker 1: house where the apostles had been staying. They thrust the 196 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:16,080 Speaker 1: door open to find an empty room. 197 00:12:16,820 --> 00:12:19,650 Speaker 4: Ah, we missed them. I knew we shouldn't have gone 198 00:12:19,710 --> 00:12:20,350 Speaker 4: off on our own. 199 00:12:21,010 --> 00:12:23,790 Speaker 3: It'll be fine. I'm sure they're on their way to 200 00:12:23,809 --> 00:12:26,980 Speaker 3: afternoon prayer. If we hurry, we should catch up with 201 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:28,360 Speaker 3: them before they reach the temple. 202 00:12:29,040 --> 00:12:31,760 Speaker 1: The two men bounded out of the house, slamming a 203 00:12:31,820 --> 00:12:35,420 Speaker 1: wooden door shut behind them. They gradually made their way 204 00:12:35,500 --> 00:12:38,679 Speaker 1: toward the temple mount. Looking up at the sun, they 205 00:12:38,740 --> 00:12:42,450 Speaker 1: supposed it couldn't be much later than three in the afternoon. 206 00:12:43,270 --> 00:12:45,670 Speaker 1: They hurried up the steps of the outer courts. 207 00:12:46,350 --> 00:12:48,570 Speaker 4: I see them just up ahead. Come quickly. 208 00:12:49,030 --> 00:12:52,069 Speaker 1: Their bags rattled against their sides as they took long 209 00:12:52,150 --> 00:12:56,230 Speaker 1: strides down the colonnades. They slowed their pace as they 210 00:12:56,290 --> 00:12:59,450 Speaker 1: approached the entrance to the inner courts. But before they 211 00:12:59,490 --> 00:13:03,230 Speaker 1: could pass through, an unassuming voice called out to them. 212 00:13:03,860 --> 00:13:05,500 Speaker 4: Any help for a lame man? 213 00:13:06,059 --> 00:13:10,340 Speaker 1: Ira's eyes stared straight ahead as he routinely parroted his 214 00:13:10,420 --> 00:13:14,400 Speaker 1: call to action. He would repeat these words as shapes 215 00:13:14,600 --> 00:13:18,420 Speaker 1: moved along his peripheral vision. waiting for the sound of 216 00:13:18,500 --> 00:13:21,260 Speaker 1: money to drop into his bowl to see if he 217 00:13:21,300 --> 00:13:24,580 Speaker 1: had had any luck. But no sound could be heard. 218 00:13:25,420 --> 00:13:29,440 Speaker 1: He sighed deeply and waited for the next chance. Peter 219 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:33,830 Speaker 1: stopped abruptly and held his arm up against John's chest. 220 00:13:34,610 --> 00:13:37,950 Speaker 1: He had heard the man's call and had paused to 221 00:13:38,010 --> 00:13:43,490 Speaker 1: inspect his setup. He looked intently at Ira, waiting for 222 00:13:43,610 --> 00:13:48,660 Speaker 1: any sign of acknowledgement. Following Peter's line of sight, John 223 00:13:48,820 --> 00:13:52,040 Speaker 1: peered down at the beggar as well. But the lame 224 00:13:52,080 --> 00:13:56,520 Speaker 1: man only seemed lost in thought, as though his question 225 00:13:56,590 --> 00:13:59,650 Speaker 1: was as much for the empty spaces around him as 226 00:13:59,710 --> 00:14:03,609 Speaker 1: it was for the apostles themselves. Peter waited a second 227 00:14:03,650 --> 00:14:07,010 Speaker 1: longer before prodding at the man's listlessness. 228 00:14:07,740 --> 00:14:10,540 Speaker 3: Are you the one who asked for help? 229 00:14:11,100 --> 00:14:14,900 Speaker 1: Ira's ears perked up. not used to anyone responding to 230 00:14:14,940 --> 00:14:19,380 Speaker 1: his requests with anything but a few coins or feigned deafness. 231 00:14:20,310 --> 00:14:23,330 Speaker 1: He didn't dare look at them, in fear that he 232 00:14:23,370 --> 00:14:27,470 Speaker 1: had somehow stirred their anger with his humble ask for help. 233 00:14:28,250 --> 00:14:31,930 Speaker 1: He hoped, if he stayed still long enough, they would 234 00:14:31,980 --> 00:14:35,000 Speaker 1: move on with their day, as much as he wanted 235 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:36,040 Speaker 1: to move on with his. 236 00:14:36,660 --> 00:14:37,500 Speaker 4: Look at us! 237 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:42,550 Speaker 1: The apostle's voice carried no sense of fury. Ira considered 238 00:14:42,620 --> 00:14:45,500 Speaker 1: that maybe the man would be willing to help if 239 00:14:45,660 --> 00:14:48,460 Speaker 1: Ira could carry on a brief conversation with him. 240 00:14:49,160 --> 00:14:53,300 Speaker 4: My sincerest apologies. I meant no disrespect. 241 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,730 Speaker 6: It's just I'm not accustomed to anyone paying me any mind. 242 00:14:58,690 --> 00:15:01,530 Speaker 6: If you could spare anything on your way into the temple, 243 00:15:02,210 --> 00:15:04,770 Speaker 6: I would be forever grateful with your generosity. 244 00:15:05,270 --> 00:15:08,450 Speaker 1: Peter could tell Ira had rehearsed lines like this many 245 00:15:08,550 --> 00:15:11,940 Speaker 1: times before. It was apparent that the lame man had 246 00:15:12,020 --> 00:15:15,780 Speaker 1: no malicious intentions in ignoring him, but had simply learned 247 00:15:15,820 --> 00:15:20,200 Speaker 1: that apathy was the best way to avoid conflict. Peter 248 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:23,800 Speaker 1: thought over the man's request for spare change, in light 249 00:15:23,830 --> 00:15:27,790 Speaker 1: of John's story from earlier. Ira had spent his days 250 00:15:27,950 --> 00:15:31,430 Speaker 1: asking for nothing more than a few pears, when the 251 00:15:31,510 --> 00:15:36,030 Speaker 1: Lord had provided himself with bushels of blessings to share 252 00:15:36,070 --> 00:15:36,430 Speaker 1: with the man. 253 00:15:36,880 --> 00:15:39,510 Speaker 3: I do not have any silver or gold to offer 254 00:15:39,530 --> 00:15:40,330 Speaker 3: to you, my friend. 255 00:15:40,970 --> 00:15:45,510 Speaker 1: Iris' countenance dropped at Peter's words. His eyes drooped back 256 00:15:45,570 --> 00:15:49,350 Speaker 1: to his mat, a nearly empty dish. He had heard 257 00:15:49,430 --> 00:15:52,430 Speaker 1: many Jews make excuses as to why they couldn't spare 258 00:15:52,510 --> 00:15:56,000 Speaker 1: money for him, in attempts to absolve themselves of guilt 259 00:15:56,440 --> 00:15:57,480 Speaker 1: for not helping the poor. 260 00:15:57,880 --> 00:16:01,520 Speaker 3: But what I do have, I happily give to you. 261 00:16:02,160 --> 00:16:06,540 Speaker 1: Ira mustered up every ounce of sincerity in his next words. 262 00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:10,690 Speaker 1: though in his mind money was the only thing that 263 00:16:10,730 --> 00:16:12,570 Speaker 1: would get him through the next day. 264 00:16:13,190 --> 00:16:13,950 Speaker 4: Thank you, brother. 265 00:16:14,670 --> 00:16:17,630 Speaker 6: Whatever you have to offer, I will gladly receive. 266 00:16:18,490 --> 00:16:22,370 Speaker 1: Peter smiled at the man's innocence. He recalled the countless 267 00:16:22,430 --> 00:16:25,550 Speaker 1: times he had watched Jesus heal lame men and women, 268 00:16:26,070 --> 00:16:30,580 Speaker 1: commanding them to arise. He centered his heart on Jesus, 269 00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:35,420 Speaker 1: feeling the Spirit's power moving through him. The miracles he 270 00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:39,200 Speaker 1: and the other apostles were performing were done through their hands, 271 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:42,500 Speaker 1: but they all knew it was not by their own 272 00:16:42,600 --> 00:16:46,840 Speaker 1: power or might. Peter took a deep breath in, imagining 273 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:50,950 Speaker 1: that Jesus himself would speak through him as he offered 274 00:16:50,990 --> 00:16:53,630 Speaker 1: this man a chance at a new life. 275 00:16:54,470 --> 00:16:58,210 Speaker 4: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! 276 00:17:00,130 --> 00:17:03,470 Speaker 1: Ira nearly choked on his spit. The absurdity of what 277 00:17:03,510 --> 00:17:06,330 Speaker 1: this stranger had just said nearly caused him to topple 278 00:17:06,410 --> 00:17:09,950 Speaker 1: over in disbelief. Was this some sort of cruel joke? 279 00:17:10,750 --> 00:17:12,780 Speaker 1: Not only had he forced Ira to look at him, 280 00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:17,520 Speaker 1: but he had blatantly given Ira false hope for financial relief. 281 00:17:18,460 --> 00:17:22,260 Speaker 1: Ira managed to calm himself. Nothing good ever came from 282 00:17:22,380 --> 00:17:23,420 Speaker 1: stirring up contention. 283 00:17:24,340 --> 00:17:26,960 Speaker 4: Please, I don't want to cause any trouble. 284 00:17:27,600 --> 00:17:30,900 Speaker 6: I've been lame since birth, and I've come here every 285 00:17:30,960 --> 00:17:33,860 Speaker 6: day to beg. But I do my best to stay 286 00:17:33,920 --> 00:17:37,020 Speaker 6: out of people's way. I would move if I could. 287 00:17:37,609 --> 00:17:42,130 Speaker 1: Peter said nothing as he extended a smile and his 288 00:17:42,230 --> 00:17:46,710 Speaker 1: right hand out to Ira. Ira stared down the long 289 00:17:46,790 --> 00:17:50,869 Speaker 1: length of his arm. He weighed his options. He had 290 00:17:50,910 --> 00:17:53,750 Speaker 1: done everything he could not to cause a scene with 291 00:17:53,790 --> 00:17:57,790 Speaker 1: his begging. He wasn't sure what Peter's intentions were, but 292 00:17:58,490 --> 00:18:02,730 Speaker 1: assessed from their interaction thus far that Peter's hand was 293 00:18:02,790 --> 00:18:06,669 Speaker 1: the path of least resistance. He gripped Peter's hand firmly. 294 00:18:07,660 --> 00:18:11,340 Speaker 1: and felt the apostle give him a slow but firm tug. 295 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:15,720 Speaker 1: Was he going to force Ira onto his feet to 296 00:18:15,780 --> 00:18:19,260 Speaker 1: move him? What would Terza say when she found out? 297 00:18:20,340 --> 00:18:24,880 Speaker 1: Ira watched his legs shake underneath him as Peter continued 298 00:18:24,920 --> 00:18:29,959 Speaker 1: to pull him upwards. To Ira's astonishment, he didn't immediately 299 00:18:30,010 --> 00:18:33,690 Speaker 1: topple over. This was the closest that Ira had come 300 00:18:33,730 --> 00:18:39,480 Speaker 1: to standing in years. he could feel his pulse rising. Finally, 301 00:18:40,300 --> 00:18:44,859 Speaker 1: Ira landed fully upright. He tentatively allowed his weight to 302 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:49,080 Speaker 1: sink into his heels. The tendons of his legs tingled 303 00:18:49,200 --> 00:18:54,020 Speaker 1: with what felt like tiny jolts of electricity. In an instant, 304 00:18:54,340 --> 00:18:58,060 Speaker 1: Peter released his grip on Ira, but rather than leaving 305 00:18:58,119 --> 00:19:00,530 Speaker 1: him to sink back into a heap on his mat, 306 00:19:01,750 --> 00:19:08,740 Speaker 1: Ira stood tall. His former hesitations now replaced with sheer excitement. 307 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:15,379 Speaker 1: A warmth ran through his legs, revitalizing every deteriorated muscle 308 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:19,340 Speaker 1: to their full strength. He felt the strength of his 309 00:19:19,460 --> 00:19:23,129 Speaker 1: youth rush back into him again, not just his legs, 310 00:19:23,710 --> 00:19:29,350 Speaker 1: but to his heart, mind, and soul. Ira jumped with joy, 311 00:19:30,070 --> 00:19:33,210 Speaker 1: giggling with shouts of glee like a child at play. 312 00:19:34,030 --> 00:19:37,670 Speaker 1: He hugged Peter, leaving imprints of tears on his tunic. 313 00:19:38,250 --> 00:19:42,230 Speaker 1: He turned to John and shook his hands energetically. I. 314 00:19:42,970 --> 00:19:43,300 Speaker 6: how. 315 00:19:44,540 --> 00:19:44,760 Speaker 3: who. 316 00:19:45,540 --> 00:19:46,820 Speaker 4: who are you? 317 00:19:46,840 --> 00:19:51,210 Speaker 3: It doesn't matter who we are. you were healed today 318 00:19:51,300 --> 00:19:54,020 Speaker 3: by the power of the holy spirit in the name 319 00:19:54,060 --> 00:19:58,920 Speaker 3: of jesus of nazareth who is the christ believe in him. 320 00:19:59,580 --> 00:20:05,600 Speaker 1: Ira was beside himself in pure unadulterated praise he lifted 321 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:07,620 Speaker 1: his hands up to the heavens. 322 00:20:08,220 --> 00:20:13,380 Speaker 6: I believe I believe. Praise Adonai, the God who heals. 323 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:18,060 Speaker 6: And praise Jesus of Nazareth, who has given me strength 324 00:20:18,600 --> 00:20:19,320 Speaker 6: this day. 325 00:20:19,900 --> 00:20:22,980 Speaker 1: Ira stepped closer to Peter and John as he wiped 326 00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:27,160 Speaker 1: the tears from his cheeks. His thoughts and emotions were 327 00:20:27,340 --> 00:20:31,740 Speaker 1: mingled together with an intensity that Ira had never known before. 328 00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 1: There was no doubt in Ira's mind that these men 329 00:20:36,330 --> 00:20:41,050 Speaker 1: had been sent by God. Ira had lost years of 330 00:20:41,130 --> 00:20:45,359 Speaker 1: experience because of deficiency. He had never known the roughness 331 00:20:45,400 --> 00:20:48,880 Speaker 1: of climbing a tree, the wind in his face chasing 332 00:20:48,980 --> 00:20:52,200 Speaker 1: friends in the game of tag, or the simple pleasures 333 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,770 Speaker 1: of strolling through the fields after a long day's work. 334 00:20:56,790 --> 00:21:00,850 Speaker 1: But now all Ira wanted to do was use his 335 00:21:00,990 --> 00:21:05,840 Speaker 1: legs to run into the presence of the God who 336 00:21:05,990 --> 00:21:08,000 Speaker 1: saw him and loved him. 337 00:21:11,650 --> 00:21:14,399 Speaker 5: Our story began with Peter and John heading to the 338 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:15,960 Speaker 5: temple for the 3 p.m. 339 00:21:16,000 --> 00:21:16,580 Speaker 1: Prayer meeting. 340 00:21:17,119 --> 00:21:19,600 Speaker 5: Now, I don't know about you, but whenever I hear 341 00:21:19,700 --> 00:21:23,040 Speaker 5: about Peter and John together, I think of a buddy movie. Peter, 342 00:21:23,220 --> 00:21:25,940 Speaker 5: the bold and brash one, and John, the thoughtful disciple 343 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:29,399 Speaker 5: whom Jesus loved. They're like the dynamic duo of the 344 00:21:29,440 --> 00:21:32,320 Speaker 5: early church. They're on their way to pray, but God 345 00:21:32,359 --> 00:21:35,300 Speaker 5: had other plans for them. You see, sometimes God's greatest 346 00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:37,660 Speaker 5: work happens when we're just trying to do what we 347 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:40,750 Speaker 5: always do. God will break the mundane patterns of our 348 00:21:40,810 --> 00:21:43,629 Speaker 5: everyday lives and put something in front of us, a 349 00:21:43,670 --> 00:21:47,650 Speaker 5: divine appointment that needs our attention. Enter the lame man. 350 00:21:48,119 --> 00:21:50,040 Speaker 5: Every day his friends carried him to the temple gate, 351 00:21:50,300 --> 00:21:53,080 Speaker 5: and every day he sat there begging for alms. This 352 00:21:53,140 --> 00:21:55,300 Speaker 5: wasn't a new gig for him. He'd been doing this 353 00:21:55,320 --> 00:21:59,770 Speaker 5: for years, decades even. His routine was set, get dropped off, beg, 354 00:21:59,990 --> 00:22:02,990 Speaker 5: collect what he could, and repeat. But today wasn't going 355 00:22:03,010 --> 00:22:06,070 Speaker 5: to be just another day. As Peter and John approached, 356 00:22:06,130 --> 00:22:09,150 Speaker 5: the man asked for alms, and Here's where it gets interesting. 357 00:22:09,570 --> 00:22:11,609 Speaker 5: Peter and John didn't ignore him or just toss a 358 00:22:11,630 --> 00:22:15,350 Speaker 5: few coins to ease their conscience. No, they did something radical. 359 00:22:15,850 --> 00:22:18,550 Speaker 5: Look at us, Peter said. Now, that might not seem 360 00:22:18,570 --> 00:22:20,810 Speaker 5: like much, but think about it. When we want to 361 00:22:20,850 --> 00:22:23,970 Speaker 5: ignore someone, we avoid eye contact, right? But Peter and 362 00:22:23,990 --> 00:22:27,230 Speaker 5: John looked right at him. The man was probably expecting money, 363 00:22:27,510 --> 00:22:30,560 Speaker 5: something to help him get by just another day. But 364 00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:33,340 Speaker 5: isn't that just like us? We often come to God 365 00:22:33,380 --> 00:22:37,000 Speaker 5: with small expectations, hoping for a little help to get by. 366 00:22:37,380 --> 00:22:39,659 Speaker 5: But God in his infinite wisdom wants to give us 367 00:22:39,740 --> 00:22:42,900 Speaker 5: so much more than we ask for. The man expects coins, 368 00:22:43,040 --> 00:22:45,440 Speaker 5: but God wants to give him an entirely new life. 369 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:49,639 Speaker 5: Peter's next words are both humbling and profound. Silver and 370 00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:51,640 Speaker 5: gold I do not have, but what I do give you, 371 00:22:51,760 --> 00:22:54,399 Speaker 5: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up 372 00:22:54,440 --> 00:22:57,770 Speaker 5: and walk. Can you imagine the shock? The lame man 373 00:22:57,890 --> 00:23:00,649 Speaker 5: must have thought, wait, what? I was just asking for 374 00:23:00,690 --> 00:23:03,220 Speaker 5: some change and now you're telling me to walk? Here's 375 00:23:03,240 --> 00:23:06,139 Speaker 5: the thing. Peter didn't have money, but he had something 376 00:23:06,180 --> 00:23:09,860 Speaker 5: far better. The power of Jesus' name. Friends, let's be real. 377 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:12,500 Speaker 5: Sometimes we think the church is in bad shape when 378 00:23:12,540 --> 00:23:14,930 Speaker 5: it lacks silver and gold. But I'd rather have a 379 00:23:14,990 --> 00:23:17,490 Speaker 5: church that can say, in the name of Jesus, rise 380 00:23:17,550 --> 00:23:20,490 Speaker 5: up and walk, than a church overflowing with wealth and 381 00:23:20,630 --> 00:23:24,390 Speaker 5: empty spiritual power. Peter didn't just speak words. He acted 382 00:23:24,470 --> 00:23:26,449 Speaker 5: on them. He reached out. He grabbed him by the 383 00:23:26,490 --> 00:23:28,940 Speaker 5: hand and lifted him up. And at that moment, something 384 00:23:28,980 --> 00:23:33,100 Speaker 5: incredible happened. Immediately, his feet and his ankle bones received strength. 385 00:23:33,740 --> 00:23:36,660 Speaker 5: You know, Luke, the physician, gives us an interesting detail here. 386 00:23:36,859 --> 00:23:39,399 Speaker 5: It wasn't a gradual healing. It wasn't, well, give it 387 00:23:39,420 --> 00:23:41,350 Speaker 5: a few weeks of physical therapy and you'll be good 388 00:23:41,369 --> 00:23:44,070 Speaker 5: to go. No, it was immediate. And just like that, 389 00:23:44,530 --> 00:23:48,510 Speaker 5: the man who had never walked in his life started walking, leaping, 390 00:23:48,550 --> 00:23:52,750 Speaker 5: and praising God. Imagine that. This guy is jumping around 391 00:23:52,790 --> 00:23:55,109 Speaker 5: like he had just won the lottery. And in the sense, 392 00:23:55,470 --> 00:23:58,189 Speaker 5: he did. He didn't just receive a few coins. He 393 00:23:58,250 --> 00:24:01,150 Speaker 5: received new legs, a new life. and a new reason 394 00:24:01,170 --> 00:24:04,850 Speaker 5: to worship. This story begs the question, what are we 395 00:24:04,930 --> 00:24:07,930 Speaker 5: expecting from God? Are we coming to him with small requests, 396 00:24:07,950 --> 00:24:10,879 Speaker 5: just asking for enough to get by? Or are we 397 00:24:10,940 --> 00:24:13,580 Speaker 5: ready for him to say, rise up and walk? Sometimes 398 00:24:13,619 --> 00:24:15,879 Speaker 5: we're so focused on getting through the day that we 399 00:24:15,940 --> 00:24:19,419 Speaker 5: forget God wants to transform our entire lives. And for 400 00:24:19,460 --> 00:24:21,330 Speaker 5: those of us who feel like Peter and John, who 401 00:24:21,369 --> 00:24:23,490 Speaker 5: feel like we don't have much to give, remember this, 402 00:24:24,030 --> 00:24:26,590 Speaker 5: we may not have silver and gold, but we do 403 00:24:26,609 --> 00:24:28,920 Speaker 5: have the name of Jesus. And that name is more 404 00:24:28,960 --> 00:24:31,900 Speaker 5: powerful than any wealth, influence, or position you could ever hold. 405 00:24:32,380 --> 00:24:35,340 Speaker 5: The story ends with a man who has never walked before, 406 00:24:35,480 --> 00:24:38,379 Speaker 5: clinging to Peter and John, entering the temple and praising God. 407 00:24:38,859 --> 00:24:40,659 Speaker 5: And all the people who saw him were filled with 408 00:24:40,760 --> 00:24:42,040 Speaker 5: wonder and amazement. 409 00:24:42,560 --> 00:24:43,120 Speaker 1: They love that. 410 00:24:43,700 --> 00:24:46,270 Speaker 5: They were used to seeing him begging, but now he's praising. 411 00:24:46,740 --> 00:24:50,370 Speaker 5: And when God changes a life, it's impossible to miss. So, 412 00:24:50,609 --> 00:24:53,230 Speaker 5: what can we take away from this? Two things. First, 413 00:24:53,609 --> 00:24:56,050 Speaker 5: let's expect more from God. Let's not settle for a 414 00:24:56,090 --> 00:24:58,290 Speaker 5: few coins when God wants to give us new legs. 415 00:24:58,930 --> 00:25:01,639 Speaker 5: And second, let's give him what we have. It may 416 00:25:01,660 --> 00:25:04,300 Speaker 5: not be silver and gold, but what we do have 417 00:25:04,380 --> 00:25:07,659 Speaker 5: is Jesus. And if we have Jesus, we have everything 418 00:25:07,700 --> 00:25:10,800 Speaker 5: we need. So as we go about this week, let's 419 00:25:10,820 --> 00:25:13,830 Speaker 5: be a church, a people moved by compassion that look 420 00:25:13,850 --> 00:25:16,810 Speaker 5: people in the eye, expect big things from God, and 421 00:25:16,869 --> 00:25:19,290 Speaker 5: aren't afraid to say in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, 422 00:25:19,590 --> 00:25:20,790 Speaker 5: rise up and walk.