Resurrection moments - April 7

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 97, 99; PM Psalm 115; Micah 7:7-15; Acts 3:1-10; John 15:1-11   

Somewhere along the way, I was introduced to the music of Don Williams. His wide acclaim in country music had died down by the time I learned of him, though he was known as one of the greats. Called the Gentle Giant, Williams recorded music for more than forty years and also appeared in a handful of Burt Reynolds’ movies. My husband Sam describes his voice as having sweetness from an older time. While Don Williams died in 2017, this morning I am reminded of the song, “I’m Just a Country Boy,” that he recorded in 1977. In the ballad, the man is of little financial means, yet he has a loving heart he wants to share. The refrain he sings is:

“And I'm just a country boy

Money have I none
But I've got silver
In the stars

And gold in morning sun…”

While a big, radiant diamond is seen as the tangible token of promise for one’s beloved, the gift the yearning man can offer to his heart’s desire is the gift of presence in the moment and deep appreciation in living life fully – seeing silver in the stars and gold in the morning sun.

In Acts 3, Peter and John are going to pray. A man who has been physically limited since birth, unable to walk, is routinely brought to the entryway to the temple to beg for alms. Almsgiving was an expectation of faithful Jews, so his presence was a reminder to be generous with those in need. As a beggar laying on the ground, he is far below eye level of passersby and lifts his voice to ask for money. Peter and John stop. Peter tells him, “Look at us.” They make eye contact. Then, Peter says, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” They clasp right hands, and Peter raises him up. We read that his ankles and feet are immediately strengthened and healed, so that he is “walking and leaping and praising God.” Wonder and awe fill the crowd.

In that moment, all that Peter could give was respect and love to the man in need; then God gave the healing miracle. It was not silver or gold…it was so much more. Much like the feeding miracles Jesus performed, giving bread that provides eternal life, rather than fleeting satisfaction, the answer given to the lame man was different than he expected. The gift of God through Jesus (and his friends) brings not just momentary relief, but resurrection moments.

Let us pray for God to bring us more than relief…let us ask for resurrection. Alleluia!

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection 

When has someone given you a gift you didn’t realize you needed? How have you shared your joy and appreciation?

Can you think of a time when you prayed to God, and the answer was different than you expected – maybe even better than you could imagine?

Daily Challenge 

Make eye contact intentionally this week. If you see someone in need, even if you do not give them currency or food, make eye contact. Say hello. Ask their name, and if you can pray for them.