Money, Miracle, Mission

Many years ago, two men were going to a prayer gathering. As they were going into the entrance of the building where the meeting would take place they encountered a beggar who had a physical condition that did not allow him to walk. In fact, according to my source for this story, people were bringing this man to the entrance of the building every day because he could not get there on his own. This man would stay there all day in hopes of people being generous and donating money so that he could survive.


Well, as the two men encountered this beggar they did not have any money to give; so they said “look at us.” As the beggar looked at them one of the men said “I do not have silver or gold, but what I do have I give to you.” In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Now, you will never guess what happened next! As he was lifted up the beggar could stand. Better yet, he could walk! In fact, he began leaping around praising God!


The story I shared actually came from the Bible. It is found in Acts 3:1-16, where we find the two men Peter and John (3:1) and a beggar lame from birth (3:2). As I think about this story I am blown away by three things; Money, Miracle, and Mission.


Money- Peter and John were said to be going to the time of prayer, which was a daily activity for them. As they encountered the lame beggar they told him they did not have any money. From a Jewish perspective, there was a responsibility to take care of people such as this disadvantaged person. In fact, it was a command (Deuteronomy 15:11). However, they told him they did not have gold or silver. Were Peter and John withholding or refusing to help this person? Were they going against the law? No. What were they doing, what were they thinking?


Miracle- Although Peter and John did not have money; they did have something that would alter the course of this crippled beggar’s future. In the name of Jesus Christ they lifted this man to his feet. This man was healed! Notice, the beggar was not given money; he was given a touch from the Lord Jesus!


Mission- The whole point of this story was to demonstrate the message of Jesus Christ and His life changing power through His Apostles as they carried the good news about Jesus from Jerusalem and beyond. Remember, they were going to pray and through the course of events healed and declared the message of the Lord!


Isn’t it strange how much we value money in life? In the context of being a vessel for God, we send money to organizations, we support ministries like feeding the hungry, yet Peter and John say “silver and gold I do not have.” Now, I am not saying we should not support these areas. We do need to support them, but are there not times when God might want to use us differently? Through the power of Jesus Christ, Peter and John were able to give this man a new future. They could have just helped this man and given him a few dollars to sustain him another day, but instead they lifted him to his feet and gave him a brand new walk in life.


Let me ask, when was the last time you saw a miracle? Are you skeptical this could happen again? Would you jump for joy or stand and doubt? I’m convinced we might have a low view of the power of God to heal or restore people’s brokenness. Yet, the power of God's healing came in a big way!


Reflecting on this biblical account, I am deeply reminded of my responsibility to be available to God with or without money. I am also awed and amazed that ministry can sometimes be done without a single penny being spent and miracles still happen. More importantly, I am wonderfully blessed to have the opportunity of helping change lives just like Peter and John did as I share the life changing message about Jesus Christ in the world around me!


Today could be the day, go and show!


Till next time,

Jason

Fishers of men?

Well, it seems 2011 is off to a good start! In this new year I look back to last year. Now, I know that looking back could turn me into a pillar of salt (lol), but I was thinking about my journey of living missionally. I must say that 2010 was not the best year for being faithful with the opportunity to share the gospel. Although I wanted see more people affected for the Kingdom, I can recall only two people this last year. This brings me to the purpose of my post today. I want 2011 to be different. I eagerly desire to have the opportunity to affect many,, many lives for the Kingdom. I want the Lord to teach me to be a better "fisher of men" in 2011!
Have you ever wondered about these words when he spoke them in two of the Gospel accounts; Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17. Each account compares fishing. The disciples were fisherman catching fish to support their families with their trade, then Jesus states "follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
Now, fast forward through the Gospels and even the whole New Testament!
We know that the journey of the disciples following Jesus was not the easiest one. They left their trade, their comfort zones, their families,experienced failure, rejection, yet were able to move the world with the power of the Gospel about Jesus Christ. They truly became fishers of many men!
When I reflect over the ministry of these men, I am utterly moved by the awesome potential to affect lives with the Gospel. In this new year, I look forward to the opportunities to share and show love and go with the message of the gospel through my journey. What else in life could compare? What else in life could offer the eternal benefit?
How do we become a fisher of men? Follow JESUS. Believe. Surrender, Sacrifice. Step out!
Luke 10:23-24 says "Turning to the disciples, He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see these things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them."
There is something amazing about following Jesus that the rest of the world will never get. There are things that only the serious and sincere followers will experience. This may sound exclusive to only some. Yes, it is only to those who follow Jesus.
So, are you ready for the most amazing year you could ever have? Are you excited about the potential opportunities that are just beyond? The weather looks right. The water is deep. There are many who are hungry lets GO FISH!
Till next time,
Jason- Fisherman in training