Look at Us!

Look at Us! 
Expect Miracles
Terry R. Baughman
“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” (Acts 3:4–6 NKJV). 

Mid-afternoon around the Temple was a busy time of day in Jerusalem. It was the hour of prayer. Handicapped individuals gathered along the pathway leading to the Temple. It was a lucrative spot to ask for charity. Those who came for prayers or to worship were usually more inclined to contribute to their welfare. The lame man grew up along this route, for as soon as he was old enough his mother brought him here to spend the days and learn to make his way in the world. Even after all these years and seeing many people and various responses to his requests, he was totally unprepared for what happened when two men approached. 

His script was always the same, “Alms? Alms?” as he reached toward the two intent upon entering the Temple. Frequently, people would just ignore his request and pretend not to hear. Today was different. The two men turn toward him making eye contact and one said, “Look at us!”  The burly man spoke for both of them, “We don't have what you're asking for, but what we have we will give to you!” They had nothing in their hands to offer, but there was a strange authority in his voice. The next statement was more like a command, “In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 

What can only be described as a hot fire shot through his veins and down through his useless legs. Muscle strength instantly grew and tendons came alive as his bones straighten and strengthened. He couldn’t help himself. He had to jump to his feet and began leaping and shouting in his excitement. Completely and instantly, he was healed from his lifelong limitation. 

Due to the prohibition of the lame from entering the Temple he now had no reason to wait on the outside. He dashed into the place of worship and continued to jump and rejoice. The miracle cannot be stilled or silenced; the declaration of worship is a natural response to a divine operation. 

Though Peter and John had commanded the attention of the lame man, and the  resulting miracle brought the crowd of amazed observers out to see who had caused such an incredible miracle, Peter was quick to give the glory to God for the amazing healing. He gave honor to the resurrected Christ! Peter declared that the miracle came by Jesus, “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know” (Acts 3:16). 

We have the answer for the problems of the world. There is nothing too hard for God and He is willing and able to perform miracles of healings, signs of changed lives, and wonders of provision and spiritual renewals. We, like Peter and John, can say to those in need, “Look at us!” This is not to focus expectation on what we can do, but to bring attention to the God we serve and His incredible power to perform the miraculous. 

When we call out to the desperate, “Look at us,” we don’t have the power to change their lives, but we do know the source of transformation. He lives within us and works through us to perform His will. 
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What the world looks for is not what we have to give, but what we have is the thing they so desperately need. It is the power of the Holy Spirit to bring healing and wholeness to every soul. When they look at us, it isn’t so that we can pay their bills, save their marriage and give them a better job, but we do know a resource of strength that will bring all these things to pass. His condition is, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).   
For the needy today, “Look at us!” We don’t have what you want, … but we do have what you need!

Theme passage:
“They stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands” (Acts 14:3 NKJV).

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