He Got More Than He Expected

Acts 3 records the story of Peter and John as they were on their way to the temple for worship prayer. In verse 2, we read, "And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex." Apparently, all that this man lived for was to sit at the gate and beg from those who were entering. He was virtually helpless, and had to have someone place him there every day of his life. Verse 3 says, "When he saw Peter and John about to enter...he asked for help. Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, 'Look at us.' So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them." The man was expecting some kind of monetary contribution, since he could not work or earn a living for himself. He was completely dependent upon everyone else for his well-being. He expected to get something from Peter and John, but he got a whole lot more than he expected.

In verse 6, Peter says, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" And the Bible says that the man leaped up, started to walk, and entered the temple with them. Everyone watched him with curiosity as he began "walking, and leaping, and praising God." He got more than he expected.

When I came to faith in Christ, I got a whole lot more than I expected. Not only did I recieve a Savior, but I recieved a Lord and Master, someone who directs my life. The Christian life is so much more than salvation from hell. It is a life of "walking, and leaping, and praising God." It is a relationship with the precious Son of God, the One who gives dead men new life. With this new life comes the awesome privilege and responsibility of being a witness for Christ. Here in the story, I am amazed at how Peter and John were going about their daily life, and the Lord places a man in their path with whom they can witness and share Christ. I wonder if someone like this man will be in your path as you live out your life today? Are you prepared to lead them to Jesus? If so, perhaps they will get more than they expected!