Caring In Jesus’ Name
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Acts 3:1-26 and Psalm 3:1-8 (NIV)
(Alvena Khoo, Pastoral Team Member)
READ:
Acts 3:1-26 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter’s heart was evidently transformed.
Acts 3 records Peter and John’s likely regular routine of entering the temple at the time of prayer. They encountered a lame beggar at the temple gate, who had been there daily, begging from those entering the temple courts. Instead of passing the beggar by or giving him the money he asked for, Peter gave him what he truly needed and more—the ability to walk and dignity!
In those times, the poor and the lame were considered social outcasts. They were the last, the least, the lost, and the lonely in society. To be healed and able to walk would liberate him from his circumstances and allow him to never beg again. He found not only the freedom of mobility but also the freedom to truly live.
Peter and John could have given some money and continued with their prayer routine, but Peter gave more than what was asked for—all in the name of Jesus.
APPLY:
This story is a humble reminder for me, especially as we enter the year of “Discipleship in Society”. I am reminded to open my eyes to the needs around me—people needing care and living aimlessly. People who are going through pain and choose to hide their silent cries with laughter, as it seems the acceptable approach to life. People living in loneliness, fear, or with broken dreams. I need to stop to ask, care, heal, and listen in Jesus’ name, rather than hurry about my daily routine.
I am reminded of the fundamental core of Jesus’ ministry: to the last, the least, the lost, and the lonely. People need the Lord and having experienced His goodness and the Holy Spirit, I must live 2025 differently. I have freely received; I must freely give.
DO:
• To be mindful of the people I encounter daily, to go beyond a simple smile and a hi and bye casual conversation
• To care in His name
PRAY:
“Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity”. Amen
Prayer from lyrics of song “Hosanna”
