November 15, 2007 - Acts 3:4-5

“Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.” Acts 3:4-5.
Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray, as was their daily habit. They, most likely, passed through the Beautiful Gate, which was part of the regular route they took each time that they went up to the Temple. On this particular day, they took notice of the crippled beggar sitting at the entrance to the gate, hearing his cries for money. They must have sensed something in the Holy Spirit that was out of the ordinary, for they stopped, looked straight at the man, and had him look straight at them.
How much attention do you pay to beggars or street people? If you are like me, it is probably not too much. I notice them from far away, but rarely will I pay attention to them when I am up close. To my shame, I am affected by the smell, unkempt appearance, and abnormal behavior. I do not know many, if any, people who stop to pay attention and care for any needy street people. Normally, we just walk by, not paying any attention to them. In fact, we probably have complained that these people should not be cluttering up the sidewalk and ruining the appearance of our already-challenged urban centers.
Peter and John stopped, told this man to look right at them and give them his undivided attention. They did not apparently do this to every needy crippled person that they came into contact. They seemed to be directed by the Holy Spirit to do what they had done.
Questions to consider: Have you ever felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to do something like this, and done it? Or not done it? How open are you to be directed by the Holy Spirit to do what He has for you to do? Would you stop for a street person, a handicapped person, or someone out of your comfort zone?
Prayer: Father, thank you that you care for all humans, no matter our condition. Thank you that you care for “the least of these.” Please give us a heart that would be sensitive to your Holy Spirit, as He nudges us every once in awhile towards caring for those who are out of our comfort zone. Please give us a heart to care and to love. Amen.