Jesus has given up His life to ransom the souls of men, but death could not hold Him. Risen again, He promises a power that will come over His people.
Despite the joy that He is alive and interceding in the heavenlies on their behalf, heartache has...
Had these things transpired while Jesus was still with them, it might have been viewed differently. Peter was brass, harsh with his words, quick to speak and give his opinion, whether wanted or unwanted. John, one of the sons of thunder, oddly gentle in his approach, although just as zealous for their Savior. It was seen then that John was to help mellow outspoken Peter But now, things had changed. Peter had lost his brashness, now only bold and quick to speak, so why John cleaved to him was anyone's guess. Familiarity?
Whatever it was, the two went up together into the temple during the hour of prayer, their eyes falling upon the Azaria, who, lame, lay at the Beautiful gate of the temple, begging from each who entered into the temple.
Sadly, it was like the parable Jesus had taught them, that it was a Samaritan of all people that gave most help and care. Azaria looked up at them, pitifully, lame from birth. His legs may not have worked, but his arms were oddly muscular, probably from the daily shaking of the small jar inside his hand. From the sound of it, minimal people had given him an alm, despite the temple being frequented.
John, just as pitifully, rubbed his hands in the inside of his cloak. He didn't even have a mite to spare. He hated to walk by someone in desperate need, his heart soft from the moment Jesus called him. He wanted to avert his eyes. It was hard to look into the eyes of something so desperate and not be able to help. He looked sadly at Azaria as they came and towered over him, well, he did anyway. Peter was gruff and beefy but on the stockier side verses he.
Azaria lowered his eyes. Just another two that would pass him by. He didn't even bother speculating anymore who actually could help him and chose to ignore, or who truly couldn't. There'd always be another worshiper to plead to.
"Look at us."
John looked awkwardly at Peter before cocking his head. Did one of the women spare him a few coins? He was rather hungry also, maybe they'd have enough for a quick bite, then, after prayers of course.
Azaria tore his eyes off the ground, looking up expectantly. He'd never have imagined, well, neither would John have, what would come next.
"I don't have any money, but what I do have, I'm going to give to you! In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk!" Peter called upon the Name of the Lord. There is power in the Name of Jesus, for he reached out for Azaria's hand and lifted him and the lame bones received the strength they'd not had in his entire life!
Money long forgot, not that he had more than four mites in his jar, Azaria leaped and skipped and walked with them into the temple, "Praise the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise the Name of the Lord who does all things well!" And all the people saw him walking and praising God, recognizing him immediately as the lame beggar at Beautiful gate. Wonder and amazement fell upon the worshipers!
Azaria threw his arms around the two men who had spoken the matchless name of Jesus Christ, not caring who saw as many people ran towards them near Solomon's porch.
Peter laughed at the dumbfounded looks, "Why are you so surprised, Israelites? Do you think by our power and holiness we healed him? No! The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired Barabbas the murderer instead, killing the Prince of Life whom God has raised, we saw it! Now, in His Name alone there is power, and by faith, He has healed this man!"
John cast his eyes around those listening, glorifying God that many were listening and being convicted.
"Brethren, I know that you and your rulers did it in ignorance, but in doing so all the Scriptures of the prophets were fulfilled. Repent! Be converted and your sins will be blotted out. Oh for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord and He will send Jesus Christ, which was preached to you before this, whom all must receive until the time of restitution of all things. All Scripture, even as far back as our father Moses spoke of Christ!"
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