The Beggar & The Bold - Part 1

00:00:00 Speaker 1: But Peter said, I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Get up and walk Acts three six. Heavenly Father, thank you for the powerful reminder of Acts three six that it is not silver or gold the truly matters, but the immeasurable worth of walking with Jesus. Lord. We confess that we often get distracted by worldly pursuits and material desires. Help us to focus on what truly matters. Your presence, your love, and the power that comes from a life surrendered to Christ. Remind us daily that our true riches are found in You alone. Strengthen our faith and guide us to prioritize the eternal power over the temporary. Seeking your kingdom first. In all we do, May our lives reflect the fullness of joy that comes from walking with Jesus in his precious name. Amen, thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini series on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. The Mount of Olives overlook the valley toward Jerusalem. The stone walls of the great city erupted from the ground in might. The Mount of Olives had found its own means of protection, with rows of olive trees lining the earthen mound. Peter and John walked about the garden. Nestled into the base of the hill, the pair stroll leisurely through the garden of Gathseimone. They had spent the morning with the other apostles, visiting the homes of various believers who opened their doors. After lunch, they had retired to the cool shade of the garden. They crunched the brittle leaves under their feet, reminiscing of days long past, their years of following Jesus throughout Galilee, the grueling days of providing for their families as meager fishermen, and the nostalgia of boyhood. And they would run through the streets of Bethsade without a care in the world. 00:02:35 Speaker 2: Do you remember the day that James and I got caught stealing paths from old man Nathan's fruit stand After Beth's safer You and Andrew show saved us skins on that one. 00:02:46 Speaker 1: Peter chuckled as his mind dusted off the antiquated memory he and Andrew had run into the sons of Zebedee fleeing from the disgruntled shopkeeper, being their only hope of escape, and Andrew had knocked over several ephas of flower to create a distraction long enough for the brothers to flee. 00:03:08 Speaker 3: How could I forget? It was the week we finished school. The only reason we didn't get into more trouble is because Araba needed us focused enough to catch the nests. 00:03:19 Speaker 2: Did we ever tell you what happened after that? I mean probably not. I think James and I were both too embarrassed. 00:03:26 Speaker 1: Peter gave a puzzled look to his companion. After all these years, he had assumed he had heard all of James and John's tales. Peter's face told John that he should carry on with a story. 00:03:40 Speaker 2: Well, I don't think we ever told you why we were stealing that day? 00:03:45 Speaker 3: Oh you mean it wasn't because you and James were spoiled. 00:03:49 Speaker 2: Twerps, twerps, Yeah, I guess we were spoiled, no way. You see, that was around the same time Aba was having trouble meet demands on fish, and no fish. 00:04:02 Speaker 3: Means no money. 00:04:04 Speaker 2: There was hardly enough food to go around, and well, James and I thought we could help out by finding our own meals during the day. 00:04:11 Speaker 3: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know. If I had, I never would have done anything like that. 00:04:22 Speaker 2: It's all right. I mean what a friend's for of not a good jab every once in a while. But that's not the important part of the story. You see what's really wild. As old man Nathan came to our house later that day. 00:04:35 Speaker 1: We thought he was going to rat us out, but tears started to pull in the creases of John's eyes. 00:04:41 Speaker 2: But he came in with baskets of food. It was the only way we survived until we could actually help Arba with the boats. 00:04:48 Speaker 1: Peter felt himself holding back tears of his own. He scanned the outline of the city in the afternoon light. Thousands of people were moving about their own business, each with a uni story to tell. They weren't just numbers to be added to the church. They were souls to be cared for and loved, And just like old man Nathan, it all started with one act of kindness, one deliberate decision to graciously provide what someone needed, rather than pouring out retribution for what they deserved. 00:05:27 Speaker 3: We should probably get back. The others will be waiting for us. 00:05:33 Speaker 1: Peter placed his arm around John's neck and caught his eyes. It wasn't until this moment that Peter realized just how far they had come. He noted his friend's childlike eyes, now sunken into a face withered by the complexities of life. Their years of youth had seamlessly blended into adulthood, but now it was as if their time with Jesus had been like a pot hung to heat over a rippling fire, boiling over with a veracity. Since the outpouring of the spirit, Peter guarded his heart against being overwhelmed by the fact. He reminded himself that the Spirit was calling them to small, deliberate acts of faith at a time, just one step forward each day. 00:06:31 Speaker 4: Sometimes what we think we need and what we actually need are two different things. It takes an open heart and a keen eye to see the difference. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, your host from pray dot Com, here to guide you through another saga on the birth of the Church. If you haven't yet followed this podcast and you've been enjoying it so far, make sure to do so so you never miss an episode. Today we find ourselves at the gate called Beautiful, a name that sounds like it was plucked from a trou brochure, but is actually the setting for one of the most powerful stories in the Book of Acts. Acts three one through ten tells us about a man whose life was forever changed, not by the silver and gold that he expected, but by the power of Jesus Christ. 00:07:16 Speaker 1: The entrance to the temple courtyards rumbled with the low, steady beat of footsteps. Men and women marched up the steps of the temple mount as they flowed in and out of worship. Some came to genuinely worship the living God, while others came and wrote ritual as dutiful Jews. An exception to both of these was Ira. He had been lame since the days of his youth and had settled into the life of a beggar. Daily he would be carried to the temple gates in hopes of catching the spare change of worshippers. Compelled to demonstrate an act of generosity, he would tuck himself into a disheveled heap of the stone steps, wooden ball by his side. This was his most cherished possession years of coins being unaffectionately strewn into the cup and littered the inside with dents and bruises. Ira couldn't help but relate. Every coin placed in the small dish was a reminder of his unfortunate handicap in life, bruising his confidence and sense of identity. He had to fight himself from the assuming other's generosity was rooted and pity. He studied the courtyard as several of his companions jostled down the colonnades on a stretcher. 00:08:42 Speaker 5: Just a little further tits not too close to the offering boxes. I'll have better luck with people coming in than going out. 00:08:51 Speaker 1: The woman carrying IRA's bed closest to his head chortled. 00:08:55 Speaker 6: I have to give it to you, Ira, You've got this place mapped out better than the priests themselves. 00:09:01 Speaker 1: Ira winced at the agony. His family was of the tribe of Levi. He had often wondered if he would have been a priest under vastly different circumstances, but he didn't left the thoughtlinger for too long, for he knew that was when the bitter roots started to grow as a beggar, he was often ignored, if not mocked, or unintentionally abused with the kicks and shoves of distracted Jews hurrying on their way into the temple. On one occasion, a young man had accidentally struck Era's bowl with his foot, sending his collections to scatter across the walkway. Several passers by bent over to retrieve the fallen money. He assumed they were helping the lame man regather his modest revenue, but could only idly watch as the coins were discreetly slipped into greedy pockets. Ira had watched other beggars like himself grow malcontent against the cold world. They would have ridiculed the selflessness of society, though never to any effect. But Ira refused to resign himself to the burden of a bitter heart. His only consolation was convincing himself that perhaps their needs were greater than his own. He knew it was only a facade to protect himself from losing hope in there being a threat of goodness still left in the world. Irah felt his bearers come to a halt. 00:10:35 Speaker 6: How's this spot? 00:10:36 Speaker 3: This should do just fine? 00:10:38 Speaker 6: Do you need anything else. 00:10:40 Speaker 5: A new set of legs would be great. 00:10:43 Speaker 6: I'll let you know what we can find in the market. 00:10:45 Speaker 2: We'll be back this evening. 00:10:47 Speaker 6: Now, don't go wandering off. 00:10:48 Speaker 2: In the meantime, Ira laughed. 00:10:51 Speaker 1: Making light of his situation was all he could do. After decades of coming to grips with his lot in life, no amount of complaining could change his outlook for the better. Turtsa rested her hand delicately on IRA's shoulder. 00:11:05 Speaker 6: But in all seriousness, do mind yourself out here. The crowds have been different in the temple lately. I haven't seen a restlessness like this since that preacher from Nazareth would make his rounds through the city. 00:11:18 Speaker 1: Ira had heard the stories. Gatherings of hundreds of people had begun popping up all around the city, with rumors of mysterious works present among them. Not giving much thought to the matter, Ira began to set up his ramshackled business. He set his bowl beside him, and he neatly adjusted his robes to cover his withered legs. Putting a small cushion behind him, he leaned his back against a pillar and sat as upright as his body would allow him. For the years he had learned the perfect balance of dignity and neediness. Too much of one or the other, and the people would ignore his requests for their passive eight in the heart of the city, Peter and John strode down the streets of Jerusalem, making their way to the house where the apostles had been staying. They thrust the door open to find an empty room. 00:12:16 Speaker 2: Ah, we missed them. I knew we shouldn't have gone off on our own. 00:12:20 Speaker 3: You'd be fine. I'm sure they're on their way to afternoon grare. If we hurried, we should catch up with them before they reached the temple. 00:12:29 Speaker 1: The two men bounded out of the house, slamming the wooden door shut behind them. They gradually made their way toward the temple mount. Looking up at the sun, they supposed it couldn't be much later than three in the afternoon. They hurried up the steps of the outer courts. 00:12:46 Speaker 2: I see them just up ahead, Come quickly. 00:12:49 Speaker 1: Their bags rattled against their sides as they took long strides down the colonnades. They slowed their pace as they approached the entrance to the inner courts, but before they could pass through, an unassuming voice called out to. 00:13:03 Speaker 5: Them any help for a lame man. 00:13:05 Speaker 1: IRA's eyes stared straight ahead as he routinely parroted his call to action. He would repeat these words as shapes moved along his peripheral vision, waiting for the sound of money to drop into his bowl to see if he had had any luck. But no sound could be heard. He sighed deeply and waited for the next chance. Peter stopped abruptly and held his arm up against John's chest. He had heard the man's call and had paused to inspect his set up. He looked intently at Ira, waiting for any sign of acknowledgment. Following Peter's line of sight, John peered down at the beggar as well, but the lame man only seemed lost in thought, as though his question was as much for the empty spaces around him as it was for the apostles themselves. Peter waited a second longer before prodding at the man's listlessness. 00:14:07 Speaker 3: Are you the one who asked for help? 00:14:10 Speaker 1: IRA's ears perked up. Not used to anyone responding to his requests with anything but a few coins or feigned deafness, he didn't dare look at them, in fear that he had somehow stirred their anger with his humble ask for help. He hoped if he stayed still long enough, they would move on with their day, as much as he wanted to move on with his. Look at us, the apostle's voice carried no sense of fury. Ira considered that maybe the man would be willing to help if Ira could carry on a brief conversation with him. 00:14:49 Speaker 5: My sincerest apologies. I meant no disrespect. It's just I'm not accustomed to anyone paying me any mind. If you could spare any on your way into the temple, I would be forever grateful with your generosity. 00:15:05 Speaker 1: Peter could tell Ira had rehearsed lines like this many times before. It was apparent that the lame man had no malicious intentions in ignoring him, but had simply learned that apathy was the best way to avoid conflict. Peter thought over the man's request for spare change in light of John's story from earlier. Ira had spent his days asking for nothing more than a few pairs, when the Lord had provided himself with bushels of blessings to share with the man. 00:15:36 Speaker 3: I do not have any silver or gold to offer to you. 00:15:39 Speaker 1: My friend. IRA's countenance dropped at Peter's words. His eyes drooped back to his mat and nearly empty dish. He had heard many Jews make excuses as to why they couldn't spare money for him, in attempts to absolve themselves of guilt for not helping the poor. 00:15:57 Speaker 3: But what I do have I apply give to you. 00:16:02 Speaker 1: Ira mustered up every ounce of sincerity in his next words, though in his mind money was the only thing that would get him through the next day. 00:16:13 Speaker 5: Thank you, brother, whatever you have to offer, I will gladly receive. 00:16:18 Speaker 1: Peter smiled at the man's innocence. He recalled the countless times he had watched Jesus heel lay men and women, commanding them to arise. He centered his heart on Jesus, feeling the spirit's power moving through him. The miracles he and the other apostles were performing were done through their hands, but they all knew it was not by their own power or might. Peter took a deep breath in imagining that Jesus himself would speak through him as he offered this man a chance at a new life. 00:16:54 Speaker 3: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 00:16:57 Speaker 1: Walk Iron nearly choked on his spit. The absurdity of what this stranger had just said nearly caused him to topple over in disbelief. Was this some sort of cruel joke? Not only had he forced Ira to look at him, but he had blatantly given Ira false hope or financial relief. Ira managed to calm himself. Nothing good ever came from stirring up contention. 00:17:24 Speaker 5: Please, I don't want to cause any trouble. I've been lame since birth, and I've come here every day to beg but I'd do my best to stay out of people's way. 00:17:35 Speaker 2: I would move if I could. 00:17:37 Speaker 1: Peter said nothing as he extended a smile and his right hand out to Ira. Ira stared down the long length of his arm. He weighed his options. He had done everything he could not to cause a scene with his begging. He wasn't sure what Peter's intentions were, but assessed from their interaction thus far that Peter's hand was the path of least resistance. He gripped Peter's hand firmly and felt the apostle give him a slow but firm tug. Was he going to force Ira on to his feet to move him. What would Turtsa say when she found out? Ira watched his legs shake underneath him as Peter continued to pull him upwards. To IRA's astonishment, he didn't immediately topple over. This was the closest that Ira had come to standing in years. He could feel his pulse rising. Finally, Ira landed fully upright. He tentatively allowed his weight to sink into his heels, the tendons of his legs tingled with what felt like tiny jolts of electricity. In an instant, Peter released his grip on Ira, but rather than leaving him to sink back into a heap on his mat, Irah stood tall, his former hesitations now replaced with sheer excitement. A warmth ran through his legs, revitalizing every deteriorated muscle to their full strength. He felt the strength of his youth rush back into him again, not just his legs, but to his heart, mind, and soul. Irah jumped with joy, giggling with shouts of glee like a child at play. He hugged Peter, leaving imprints of tears on his tunic. He turned to John and shook his hands energetically. 00:19:42 Speaker 3: I how who who are you. It doesn't matter who we are. You are heeled today by the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ. Believe in him. 00:19:59 Speaker 1: I beside himself in pure, unadulterated praise. He lifted his hands up to the heavens. 00:20:08 Speaker 7: I believe, I believe, praise I don't I the God who heals and praise Jesus of Nazareth, who is given me strength this day. 00:20:19 Speaker 1: Ira stepped closer to Peter and John as he wiped the tears from his cheeks. His thoughts and emotions were mingled together with an intensity that Irah had never known before. There was no doubt in IRA's mind that these men had been sent by God. Irah had lost years of experience because of deficiency. He had never known the roughness of climbing a tree, the wind in his face, chasing friends in the game of tag, or the simple pleasures of strolling through the fields after a long day's work. But now all Irah wanted to do was use his legs to run into the presence of the God who saw him and loved him. 00:21:11 Speaker 4: Our story began with Peter and John heading to the temple for the three pm prayer meeting. Now, I don't know about you, but whenever I hear about Peter and John together, I think of a buddy movie. Peter the bold and brash one and John the thoughtful disciple whom Jesus loved. They're like the dynamic duo of the early Church. They're on their way to pray, but God had other plans for them. You see, sometimes God's greatest work happens when we're just trying to do what we always do. God will break the mundane patterns of our everyday lives and put something in front of us, a divine appointment that needs our attention. Enter the lame Man. Every day his friends carried him to the temple gate, and every day he sat there begging for alms. This wasn't a new gig for him. He'd been doing this for years, decades. Even his routine was set, get dropped off, beg like what he could, and repeat. But today wasn't going to be just another day. As Peter and John approached, the man asked for alms. Then here's where it gets interesting. Peter and John didn't ignore him or just toss a few coins to ease their conscience. No, they did something radical. Look at us, Peter said. Now that might not seem like much, but think about it. When we want to ignore someone, we avoid eye contact, right, But Peter and John looked right at him. The man was probably expecting money, something to help him get by just another day. But isn't that just like us? We often come to God with small expectations, hoping for a little help to get by. But God, in his infinite wisdom, wants to give us so much more than we ask for. The man expects coins, but God wants to give him an entirely new life. Peter's next words are both humbling and profound. Silver and gold I do not have, But what I do give you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Rise up and walk. Can you imagine the shock the lame man must have thought. Wait, what I was just asking for some change, and now you're telling me to walk. Here's the thing. Peter didn't have money, but he had something far better, the power of Jesus's name. Friends. Let's be real. Sometimes we think the church is in bad shape when it lacks silver and gold. But I'd rather have a church that can say, in the name of Jesus, rise up and walk than a church overflowing with wealth and empty spiritual power. Peter didn't just speak words, he acted on them. He reached out, He grabbed him by the hand and lifted him up, and at that moment something incredible happened. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. You know, Luke, the physician gives us an interesting detail here. It wasn't a gradual healing. It wasn't well, give it a few weeks of physical therapy and you'll be good to go. No, it was immediate, and just like that, the man who had never walked in his life started walking, leaping and praising God. Imagine that this guy is jumping around like he had just won the lottery, and in the sense he did. He didn't just receive a few coins. He received new legs, a new life, and a new reason of worship. This story begs the question what are we expecting from God? Are we coming to him with small requests, just asking for enough to get by, or are we ready for him to say, rise up and walk. Sometimes we're so focused on getting through the day that we forget God wants to transforms our entire lives. And for those of us who feel like Peter and John, who feel like we don't have much to give, remember this. We may not have silver and gold, but we do have the name of Jesus, and that name is more powerful than any wealth, influence, or position you could ever hold. The story ends with a man who has never walked before, cling to Peter and John, entering the temple and praising God, and all the people who saw him were filled with wonder and amazement. I love that they were used to seeing him begging, but now he's praising. And when God changes a life, it's impossible to miss. So what can we take away from this? Two things? First, let's expect more from God. Let's not settle for a few coins when God wants to give us new legs. And second, let's give them what we have. It may not be silver and gold, but what we do have is Jesus. And if we have Jesus, we have everything we need. So as we go about this week, let's be a church, a people moved by compassion, that look people in the eye, expect big things from God, and aren't afraid to say in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up and walk