Daily Devotions
Acknowledging Those in Need
Title: Acknowledging Those in Need
Reading for May 1: 1 Chronicles 7-9
Weekly reading for April 29-May 5: Acts 1-5
Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us."
Acts 3:3-4
When we see people in need, do we acknowledge them? How many of us are guilty of looking the other way when we see a need? We know it's going to be complicated. We know it is going to be costly (and not just financially). We fear we won't be able to "fix" everything, and so we either dismiss the person entirely or try to discreetly pass by without getting involved.
Followers of Jesus never do that! Peter and John acknowledged this man who was needy. They were following the example of their Lord. Jesus got his hands dirty. He helped people with big problems. He battled with demons. He got in the middle of family disputes. He helped the ones most people wouldn't even talk to. He went to the outsiders, the rejects, and the unclean.
Peter and John didn't look away. They got involved, and this man's life was never the same. It's our business to get involved! We can give something no one else can: Jesus!
Father, grant us courage, love, and faith as we look to the hurting, the rejects, and the unclean souls in our world.
