“An encounter with the Lord is always an invitation into total transformation.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 30, 2026
Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 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; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 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, NKJV
I think we often overestimate the value of what we have to offer. It isn’t that we lack real skills or knowledge that can be helpful; it’s that they don’t meet our deepest and greatest needs. A good neighbor lends his or her expertise to assist with a project. A trained medical professional offers advice and counsel on matters of health. And a wealthy person can generously share from their abundance to bless those in need.
Though these interactions bring real and even deep blessings to our lives, at some point, they all run their course. Our homes decay, our health declines, and our financial picture can change overnight. As such, we must never lose sight of the truth that there is only one thing we have to offer that brings true and lasting change, and that is the life of God given in Christ for the life of the world.
When Peter and John encounter a lame man begging on the side of the road, they see and hear his felt need. He is poor and asking for money. This is the man’s perceived need, yet it doesn’t go deep enough. Peter longs to see him truly set free, and Peter is crystal clear on the source of liberation and knows what the man most deeply needs.
“What I do have I give you.”
This is not a flex of his healing power or spiritual authority. Peter only leads and heals in the name of Jesus, for it is only by the power of God at work in and through him that any healing takes place. And while this man’s physical needs are met, there is a deeper healing and more complete invitation contained in this scene. Christ heals his body, yes, but an encounter with the Lord is always an invitation into total transformation. The Lord longs to make this beggar whole, body and soul, and Peter knows this is the only true gift he has to offer this man.
Let us never forget that the same is true for you and me. The Spirit of God fills and animates our lives, giving us hope and a future. And in the overflow of his goodness and love, he invites us to share this life with those we encounter. Let us boldly remember this truth and give what we have to give.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you meet our deepest needs and heal our greatest wounds through the self-giving love of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Application
How can you give the life you’ve received to someone in need today?
Related Reading
Psalm 73:25-26; Mark 2:10-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7
Worship Resource
Rend Collective: Your Name is Power
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