THERE are always unexpected blessings in store for those who have faith. To such God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." And station in life makes no difference with Him; for "there is no respect of persons with God." There are many surprise blessings in store for those who will believe; for "with God all things are possible," and therefore "all things are possible to him that believeth."
"PETER and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms." He had had experience as a beggar, and did not expect much. There was nothing in the dress or other appearance of Peter and John to indicate opulence, or upon which to base any great expectation. The beggar asked of every one in a perfunctory manner, not knowing who would give or who would refuse.
Healing the Impotent Man at the Beautiful Gate.
"AND Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them." This special attention would naturally excite a feeling of expectation, yet it was only an expectation of a pecuniary donation. What was really in store for him was not even dreamed of on his part.
"THEN Peter said, Silver and gold have I none." It is not hard to imagine that the poor man's expectation was for the moment disappointed. "But," added the apostle, "such as I have give I thee." That is all any one can give. No man can give what he has not himself. No matter what the profession, no matter what the assumption, no one can give over and above what he has.
UP to this point all had been preliminary. The Spirit of God was reaching out through the apostles to call forth the poor beggar's faith—which the mind of the Spirit had already discerned—and to reward it. Now comes the testing point: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Ah! that was a name which the lifelong invalid had heard before. But it is evident that he had not been so fortunate as to meet the great Physician in person, else he would not now have been begging alms as a cripple.
PETER added the encouragement of his own works. He demonstrated his own faith by taking hold of the lame man's hand and assisting2him. Thus his faith and works wrought together to inspire courage in the mind of the humble suppliant. The invalid's faith at once responded to the proffered aid, "and immediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength."
INSTANTLY the spirit of witnessing took hold of him. The spirit of thankfulness and the spirit of imparting united in impelling praise to God before the people. "And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." His faith in the name of Jesus had brought to him more than he had thought of asking at the hands of men. Thus may the true, consecrated servants of God always carry with them heaven's choicest blessings to impart to even the poorest and most needy, whose faith in the name and in the Word of Christ is ready to receive them. The opportunities of faith are everywhere open in this world of sin and affliction. G.
