Acts 3:6: “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.'”

March 31st, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Peter and John went to the temple, and a man who had been lame since birth was begging. But instead of offering him money, Peter offered him healing. For Peter, the healing of this paralyzed man became a beautiful illustration of salvation. This man is a picture of every person’s helpless, broken state, which the grace of God desires to touch and heal. When it comes to our relationship with God, none of us has a leg to stand on. Our sins block us from God and keep us from coming to Him for help. But just as the apostles reached out to this lame man, giving him far more than he hoped or asked for, so Jesus has taken the initiative to come to each of us. Even though lost people do not seek God, God has condescended to reverse the roles and seek us.

I love the true story of a well-known pastor from the last century.

Many years ago in St. Louis, a lawyer visited a Christian to transact some business. Before the two parted, his client said to him, “I’ve often wanted to ask you a question, but I’ve been afraid to do so.”

“What do you want to know?” asked the lawyer.

The man replied, “I’ve wondered why you’re not a believer.”

The man hung his head. “I know enough about the Bible to realize that it says no drunkard can enter the kingdom of God; and you know my weakness!”

“You’re avoiding my question,” continued the believer.

“Well, truthfully, I can’t recall anyone every explaining how to become a Christian.”

Picking up a Bible, the client read some passages showing that all are under condemnation, but that Christ came to save the lost by dying on the cross for their sins. “By receiving Him as your Substitute and Redeemer,” he said, “you can be forgiven. If you are willing to repent and receive Jesus, let’s pray together.”

The lawyer agreed, and when it was his turn, he exclaimed, “Jesus, I am a slave to drink. One of your servants has shown me how to be saved. O God, forgive my sins and help me overcome the power of this terrible habit in my life.” Right there he was converted.

That lawyer was C.I. Scofield, who later edited the reference Bible that bears his name.¹

“LORD, thank You for Your grace extended to us even this day. Please forgive us our sins and use us to reach someone for You.”

¹https://bible.org/illustration/c-i-scofield, accessed September 3, 2015