At the start of Acts 3 we are introduced to a man who has been crippled his whole life. Spirits are low, sadness prevails, and there’s a hopeless feeling as Peter and John encounter him at the temple. Blessings we daily take for granted, like standing and walking, this man has never experienced. What he has experienced every day is the humiliation of begging for money. With no modern medical care, health insurance, or government assistance, he’s entirely dependent on the kindness of others—those who would carry him to the temple, and those who would stop to give him financial aid (v 1-2). The despondency turns to expectancy when Peter and John look directly at him. If there was ever someone who was accustomed to people looking the other way and avoiding eye contact, it was this poor beggar. “Look at us,” Peter says. The man was surely focused now. Watching their hands, he waits for them to pull out their wallets and make a generous contribution (v 3-5). Imagine how his heart sank when Peter said, “I have no silver and gold.” Yet as Peter continues, the man realizes he is about to receive a gift far greater than any he could have possibly imagined! Perhaps he had heard of the wonders performed by “Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” But in His name, could these men actually enable him to “rise up and walk”? As Peter takes him by the hand, strength begins flowing into his feet and ankles, which can suddenly bear his weight. Without months of physical therapy to develop his muscles and gain his balance, the man who has never walked before in his whole life begins “walking and leaping and praising God.” Completely and instantly healed, he dances his way into the temple with the two disciples (v 6-8). Witnesses were amazed. For decades, they had seen this man begging for alms in the temple courts. Everyone knew him, and everyone knew he couldn’t walk. Now he’s jumping for joy? There was no denying this miracle! (v 9-10). But the miracle of healing called for a message of truth, which makes up the rest of the chapter. Peter’s sermon focuses on the unique glory of Jesus. John and he were merely instruments in the hands of their Master. The miracle was a powerful sign from God that the crucified Savior had been raised to life again (v 11-16). The Jews had killed Him—and their ignorance was no alibi—yet there was hope for any who would repent and place their faith in Jesus. In Him, there is total forgiveness, spiritual refreshment, and final restoration. No matter what you have done, God’s love is extended to you this day. He sent His only Son to deliver you from the penalty and power of your sin. Just turn to Him! (v 17-26).