BEGGAR AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE – Lesson 2

Yesterday, we saw about the “BEGGAR AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE.” Today let us see what the apostles, Peter and John can teach us in the same incident from Acts chapter three. “​1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 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 from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” – Acts 3:1-6

Peter and John, who passed through that gate on that day, must have done so many many times in the past. The beggar surely must have asked for help, on previous occasions too, including the very previous day. On this day, they notice the beggar, and are inspired to do something about this “Beggar at the Beautiful Gate” and his situation. What does this teach us?

– There is a time and purpose for everything under the sun.
– We may not have what someone is asking from us.
– We can always give what we have.
– What better thing to give, than introduce the person to God, who is the source of all good things?
– That beggar is there for a long time.
– Many may have helped him till that moment, but none like Peter and John.
– When the beggar received what he actually needed, he just couldn’t keep his mouth shut.
– *God was glorified and His name was lifted up high on that day, because of obedience from Peter and John.

May the LORD help us to be instruments of His grace, to the needy and the hurting. May we be the channels of God’s blessings. May we be the one who truly reflect the LORD’s light upon those who are in darkness.