Acts 3:2-10
Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:2-10 (NIV)
Gates are symbolic in the Bible. They can mean a barrier to protect or an opening that transitions one from this life into the next. I think of the gates from my childhood. Growing up on the farm, they were there for both purposes. The gate to our house yard was there to keep us in and safe from the daily operations of the farm. The gate to the cow yard was there to keep our cattle from roaming out into the yard and eventually out on the road. Passing through a gate, which might mean an intrusion into your neighbor's yard or a friendly reaching out to a neighbor, serves a purpose.
The temple gate in this story, called Beautiful, must have felt to the crippled man like a gate to deny admission. Then along comes Peter and instead of ignoring the man in need of help, heals him and invites him into the temple. What a glorious day for this man who has spent a lifetime begging to be healed! How Beautiful! Jesus gave Peter the power to heal. The power to open the gate for this man and for all who seek him. Praise be the Lord!
Questions for Reflection:
- What keeps us from opening the gate for others to know the love of God?
- In which ways do we open ourselves to God's healing grace?
- Do we tend toward using the gates in ourselves to protect ourselves or to open ourselves to others?
Prayer:
Dear God,
I want to be open to your love and grace but I get caught up in beating myself up for making mistakes and sinning. I know your forgiveness and grace are always there for me but sometimes it's hard to believe that you can be so gracious time after time. Help me to believe when I doubt. Help me to learn and let go. Your power and might are so awesome. Be with me as I navigate this life. Amen.
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