Today's Devotion

November 19, 2010

Give Them More than Money

Today we read about the healing of the lame man at the gate beautiful. This was indeed a beautiful gate called such because of its fine artistry and Corinthian brass. There was no welfare office or public service to help the poor, and many were forced to beg. Choosing this gate put the beggar in the best position to receive the alms he needed. However, this day he receives something far better than money.

“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." And he took him by the right hand and lifted [him] up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them——walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed.” (Acts 3:1-11 NKJV)

As I read through this passage I was impressed by the simple truth that we have something far better to give than money. We have been made ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). The Gospel is a precious gift, an inexhaustible gift that we carry without purse.

We’re approaching the Christmas season, and for many a time of real stress. Worried about getting that loved one just the right toy or gadget, we will often put ourselves into very uncomfortable situations. For some that will mean rising up well before dawn to endure the madness of Black Friday. Others will overspend and fight all year to reduce the needless debt.

Now, I am not advocating we do away with gift giving at Christmas. The Grinch doesn’t live at my address. However, I think we should realize the gift of Salvation is far more important than money. I know you are saying to yourself, “Daaah!” However, don’t check out on me just yet.

We need to find balance. Why do we spend so much time trying to make people happy with gifts and so little time in prayer and sharing the Gospel with them? Now before you say, O’ I’ve done that, understand that sharing the Gospel is not just a canned presentation of a few verses.

The Gospel is Genesis to Revelation not just Romans road. My son came to be saved after many years of hearing the Scriptures. His mother and I did not sit him down and give him a one-time speech about repentance and faith. There are times, when a quick presentation might be the only chance you have, and by all means you should take advantage of it. However, line upon line, precept upon precept is far better (Isaiah 28:9-10).

Give your children more than money, more than toys and gadgets, give them the gift of sacrifice. Sacrifice your time to share Bible stories with them. Sacrifice your comfort to teach deep lessons from God’s word. Learn to walk through life pointing out biblical principles as they arise in your family or are encountered at the ballgame. The Scriptures tell us to, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV).

The idea of training up a child is best describe in the following passage which talks about the words of God. “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV). We should be teaching our children God’s Word as we walk through life. This is to be a full-time occupation: sitting at home, walking, lying down, and rising up, always is the thought.

You know that moment when your child opens the “big gift” and his eyes light up? That’s fun, right? Just imagine the day he is leaping for joy on the way to church, praising God for his salvation.

"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." And he took him by the right hand and lifted [him] up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them——walking, leaping, and praising God.

Take their hand and lead them to the promise land! Amen.