The Need

Sorry the format is a little different as I had to do this on my ipad in a campsite in Illinois this morning, with no internet, so a very late posting
Devotion
the book of Acts
the need.


Acts 3:3-6

[3] When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.
[4] Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!"
[5] So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
[6] Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”


It is interesting that the first thing people think of is giving money to someone in need, but it appears Peter and John did not have any, but they certainly had something much better. Why do we give money instead of the power of God's healing? Why did the lamb man expect money? It seems this has been the way of helping others for a very long time. Surely it is a good thing to assist someone in need with a little silver and gold. We just saw how the disciples had everything in common,  selling their possessions  and giving to whoever had a need. So why didn't Peter give some to this man? Could it have been the moving of the Holy Spirit? On a very personal note, I remember a time many years ago in Chicago, I was driving on lower Wacker and I saw a lamb man selling pencils, I was nudged by the Spirit to stop and tell this man that I had no money, but that I would give him what I did have and then tell him to walk. But I failed to obey and I will never forget that time. We certainly need to be careful to obey even when it seems like we could make a fool of ourselves. what would have happened if the man was not healed? God does not make fools of us, so when he inspires us to act, we must act. Although money is good to give, healing is far better. There does need to first be a need, as this man was showing. He was out there looking for help, he was not hiding his need, or begging for someone else's need. If we have a need we should not be too proud to let people know of our need. There is two people here,  the needy and the giver. Sometimes the need. Can be met with money, but sometimes the need must be met with the power of God. let us know when took use what.