Stewardship: The Place Where Need and Opportunity Meet

They were just two of the many people entering the Temple that afternoon at the hour of prayer (Acts 3). The man born lame rattled his cup, scanned the crowd, and begged as he did every day. It was his only way of making a living. Apparently, Peter and John did not fit his usual contributor’s profile, for he paid them no mind. Peter had to demand his attention with the words, “Look at us!” The lame man then gave them his attention, expecting to receive something. And did he!

In this story, it is easy to focus on the miraculous healing of the lame man. But, for a moment, concentrate on the instrument of this miracle, the disciple Peter. As he gazed upon the lame man, I’m sure he saw tremendous need, and he sensed, within himself, the wherewithal and the opportunity to do something about it. And the words he utters next indicate, it was a stewardship moment!

Look at the pilgrimage the impetuous, impulsive big fisherman has made – from denier of Christ to preacher of Pentecost. It was quite a journey, and Peter sums it up with his words to the man extending his beggar’s cup: “I do not have any silver or gold, but what I do have, I will give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The lame man looked for a financial decision from these two disciples, but Peter made a spiritual decision that produced much greater consequences.

Four observations:

1) Peter was attempting to live where God could use him. He was on his way to church at the hour of prayer.
2) He realized what he did NOT have (“I do not have any silver or gold”).
3) He realized what he DID have (“but what I do have”)
4) He gave it away (“I will give to you”)

Peter witnessed an urgent need, and because he was doing his best to live as a steward of the resources God had bestowed upon him, he seized the opportunity to change one man’s world.
Today, we stand like Peter at the temple gate. Urgent needs are all around us. God has bestowed resources upon us – time, talent, treasure. And we have an opportunity to change the world with what God has given us!
It is always tempting to see the next need that comes our way like another lame beggar, just another request for funding. Lord, may we see each need like Peter saw the lame man, as an opportunity to make a difference. Like Peter, may we:

1) Make a realistic assessment of our time, talent, and treasure
2) Consider our choice to give as primarily a spiritual decision rather than a financial one
3) Pray, "Lord, what do you want to do through me for this worthy cause?"

May we consider what we have as not so much ours to keep, as ours to give away!