What do we expect God to do for us? What would we settle for? Is there a financial number in our minds that would make us think, “If I had that I would be happy”? How about a relationship, or a job? I wonder if we might settle for less than God has for us.
The lame man just wanted a gift from the two Apostles. He was expecting to get something from them, but he had no idea what God could do. Peter told him he didn’t have any money. But he didn’t stop there. Instead, Peter offered him healing in the name of Jesus, taking him by his hand and raising him to his feet. What if it didn’t work? Was this a ruse? No Peter knew God would heal him. The man who used to be lame began to walk, jump, and praise God. Why? He received more than he expected.
Soon, the bystanders recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful. The church was still doing what Jesus did. Through Jesus’ ministry, a blind man was recognized as the one who used to be blind (John 9). Others used to be lame (John 5). Who were we when we encountered Jesus? How has he changed our lives? Shouldn’t we thank him today?
Jesus offers more than just the reversal of our misfortunes and afflictions. He gives us a life of relationship with him. Will we receive it? Settle for nothing less.
