I’ve been reading the book of Acts recently, noting just how daring Peter, John and all the the apostles had grown to be since Jesus died and went to Heaven. I mean, it’s pretty crazy when you think about it. Peter, who had just denied Christ three times, and was known for blurting things out that didn’t make too much sense, morphed into a unashamed preacher with both love for God and man. Instead of backing away, he stands up. Instead of talking craziness, he speaks truth plainly.
There’s a story in Acts chapter 3 that has always held me captive. And I think the reason is because I can easily place myself in Peter’s situation. Peter and John are on their way to the temple in the afternoon to pray. And as they were on there way in, a crippled man was being placed at the gate so he could beg for money.
They’re walking around town, and they run into a beggar. Like I said, I can place myself in their shoes.
So naturally, the poor guy asks Peter and John for some money. They tell him that they don’t have any money, but, unlike me, they don’t let that stop them. Instead of continuing on with their day, released from any obligation to this man because they have no money, they go beyond the man’s financial dilemma and go straight to his physical ailment.
Peter says, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk.”
And he does. Just like that.
Peter takes him by the hand, and as he’s turns to stand, the beggar’s feet and ankles healed instantly.
The thing is, Peter could have walked away, just like I have so many times. Fortunately for the man, though, he didn’t. Not having money wasn’t a problem. He took the opportunity, and in the power of Jesus healed that man.
So, quite naturally yet again, the man freaks out, jumps around and starts praising God. And there were tons of people around too. Tons. And when they realized what had happened, and who it was that had been healed, they were dumbfounded. They practically just stood there.
And this is where Peter decides to act again when he could have just walked away. The text literally says, “Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd.”
He saw his opportunity and decided to act. He didn’t walk away, ignore the situation, or laugh it off.
He saw the opportunity for God to be glorified through healing the crippled man, and he saw the opportunity to win thousands (literally) for Jesus. We know this before this story, the last place that recorded the number of Christians put it at 3,000 (Acts 2:41). At the end of this story, we find out that because Peter spoke to the crowd, their number totaled 5,000 men as a result (Acts 4:4).
So, don’t just walk away. When the Holy Spirit sets you up for an opportunity, take it. Not just because it’s wrong if you don’t, but because your choice to obey (or disobey) can change someone’s life forever.