Jan 31, Acts 3, Genesis 23 & 24, Psalms 31

 

    Ok this is a loaded Chapter so lets see how we can break it down. 

   This chapter starts off with Peter and John going into the temple at the 9th hour, I am not convinced there is any significance to the 9th hour, tho it is mentioned elsewhere in the bible such as "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani" However, it's not really mentioned in any significant way, so don't run off thinking 3pm should be significant. It's just a normal afternoon for these boys and they are headed to the temple for a prayer meeting. 

    They enter into the temple through these gates called Beautiful. If you poke around the internet you can find all kinds of interesting things about this gate. 

    The gate is fun to get lost on, but lets look at it's significance in the story. As we move on we encounter a beggar who had been crippled from birth, So this guy had a good spot at the temple for begging, He may have had priority over others as he was born with his disability vs someone else who became a beggar for other reasons. This beggar asks Peter and John for Alms. 

    there are several verses in the Old Testament about giving to the poor and helping those in need. Here are a few examples:

Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."

Deuteronomy 15:11: "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'"

Isaiah 58:10: "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

Psalm 41:1: "Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him."

Ezra 7:24: "You are to give with generosity to the God of heaven, to all the people, priests, and Levites who are with you."

    This mans presence in this particular spot was likely approved by leadership, since it was the temple and would have significant traffic, i don't imagine they would let just anyone post up in the entrance gates!  . . . Kinda like trying to ask for money in front of a Walmart, or imagine begging in front of your local mega church today. . . 

    The story continues and says that Peter and John looked him straight in the eye and commanded his attention. The man of course looks at them with anticipation for receiving something from them. I would imagine that being in his condition he had learned to not really mind people as they came and went other then his verbal asking for Alms, so to be asked for attention would have been different for anyone involved here. 

    Then Peter responds with something so interesting, He says "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus christ of Nazareth, walk!" 

    Now imaging yourself someone who was daily in this area and knew this man well, your first reaction would not be "oh yea finally someone told this guy to get up and walk" No our reaction would be shock and probably offense. . . 

    Acts 3:6-10

6-8 Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

8-10 The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

    Barely believing what they were seeing! Same place that saw Jesus enter in a donkey and heal people. Same place Jesus walked in and threw tables. Less then 100 days after Jesus crucifixion, and they are still in shock and awe. Altho this time it is because it's his disciples. Perhaps everyone thought this kind of thing was done with and over, but here it is again. miracles! 

    So Peter, being the boss he is, notices that all of these people were not flocking around to see what was going on and he jumps on this opportunity to address this new congregation that had shown up. 

    He is quick to remind them of everything they just watched Jesus do and points out that it is God who does this healing! he then acclaims all glory to Jesus and says that it was Jesus who is still active and alive doing these amazing works. 

    He concludes with great emphasis that all of what has taken place was laid out by the prophets, and encourages the congregation to take it very seriously, He lays it out for them how each of the prophets laid out the path for the Messiah and that Jesus himself had fulfilled every single one of the prophesies. 

    The chapter finishes out with a great encouragement to believe that God raised up his Son Jesus to bless them and turn them from their evil ways. 

    I asked ChatGPT to analyze the differences between beggars in Jesus time compared to ours and it gave me this response. 

In Jesus' time:

Begging was a common way for people with disabilities or illnesses to earn a living

Beggars were seen as part of the poor and marginalized community

There was limited support from the government or religious institutions for those in need

People who were unable to work due to disabilities or illnesses had few options for survival other than begging

Today:

Begging is still a common way for people with disabilities or illnesses to earn a living

Beggars are often seen as part of the homeless population

There are more government and religious programs to support those in need, but they are often limited

People who are unable to work due to disabilities or illnesses may have more options for support, but still face challenges

Reasons for begging:

Physical disabilities or illnesses that prevent one from working

Lack of job opportunities and poverty

Homelessness and lack of access to basic needs like food and shelter

Cultural view of beggars:

In Jesus' time, beggars were seen as part of the marginalized community, but were often treated with sympathy and compassion

Today, beggars are often seen as a public nuisance or a symbol of social problems like poverty and homelessness

In some cultures, begging is seen as a last resort and those who beg are often treated with suspicion or disdain

In other cultures, begging is seen as a way of life and those who beg are treated with more understanding and respect

Treatment of beggars:

In Jesus' time, beggars were often given alms by those who could afford to help

Today, the treatment of beggars varies greatly depending on the culture and laws of the country

In some countries, begging is illegal and those who beg are subject to fines or arrest

In other countries, begging is tolerated and those who beg are often given support from volunteers or charitable organizations.

    Interesting things to ponder. . . 

    So this lingers in my mind. Jesus came and did all these miraculous signs and wonders all throughout this area, and now after he is killed and risen from the dead his followers are empowered with the exact same power that Jesus himself walked around with, we will encounter this more as we explore through acts together. When these guys were still walking with Jesus he had sent them out two by two and they performed these same things, Healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, causing the lame to walk, this was all prophesied in the old testament. 

    Here is the biggest kicker for me, we are still empowered with the same power today. It didn't leave. we just don't believe. . .  But if you are looking and listening and paying attention you will see that these miracles are taking place all the time! I know i have witnessed them myself! and it is hard to allow yourself to believe! It's easier to be stuck in the physical realm then to allow your heart to enter into this spiritual Holy Spirit powered realm. Because it changes everything. . . 

    If you were to know without any doubt that you carried the same power that Jesus carried. .  what is your responsibility now to use it. . . Yet we still have to die our physical death in this life. so all the healing and resurrection in this life. . . has to be and can only be to bring glory to Christ, just like we saw in acts 3 today, It gave them a platform to preach upon because crowds gathered. I think one of the reasons we don't see healing like this in our culture here in the USA is because if we were to heal someone like this we would not have any idea what to do with the crowd that would gather. . . 

Genesis 23

    Genesis 23 details the death of Sarah and Abraham's quest to secure a proper burial place for her. After her death in the city of Hebron, Abraham approaches the Hittite people and requests a burial place. The Hittites offer a cave of Machpelah, which Abraham agrees to purchase for a high price. The negotiations are recorded and witnessed to establish ownership. The chapter highlights the cultural significance of honoring the dead through proper burial, as well as the process of negotiating and securing a burial place in ancient times.

    The cave of Machpelah in Hebron, is mentioned again in several places in the Bible, including:
Genesis 25:9-10: The Bible records that Abraham was buried there along with Sarah.
Genesis 49:29-32: The cave of Machpelah is mentioned as the final resting place of Jacob.
Genesis 50:13: The Bible records that Joseph was also buried in the cave of Machpelah.
Joshua 14:15: Caleb claims the cave of Machpelah as his own after the conquest of Canaan.
Acts 7:16: Stephen mentions the cave of Machpelah in his speech before being stoned.

    Purchasing the cave demonstrated Abraham's wealth and status, and it honored the Hittites by showing them that he was willing to pay for the privilege of using the land. In ancient times, purchasing land was a symbol of respect and established a legal claim to the property. By buying the cave, Abraham was securing not only a final resting place for his wife and himself, but also a permanent connection to the land.

Genesis 24

    Genesis 24 details the story of Abraham sending his servant, Eliezer, to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham instructs Eliezer to travel to his birthplace, Haran, to find a wife from among his relatives. On his journey, Eliezer prays for guidance and meets Rebekah, who agrees to return with him to marry Isaac. The chapter highlights the importance of seeking guidance from God in decision making and the trust that Abraham had in his servant to complete the task. It also shows how God can work through unexpected circumstances to bring about his plans.

    Placing the hand on the thigh was a symbol of making a binding oath or promise. In ancient times, putting the hand on the thigh was a way of calling on God as a witness to the promise being made. This act served to reinforce the seriousness and importance of the vow being made, and it was considered a binding commitment that could not be broken.

    The custom of placing the hand on the thigh was a common practice in the ancient Near East and was used in a variety of situations to indicate the making of a serious commitment or promise. By placing his hand on his thigh, Eliezer was signaling the importance and binding nature of the promise he was making to Rebekah's family.

    “It so happened that the words were barely out of his mouth when Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel whose mother was Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with a water jug on her shoulder. The girl was stunningly beautiful, a pure virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came back up. The servant ran to meet her and said, “Please, can I have a sip of water from your jug?”” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬

   Psalms 31

Psalm 31 is a lament psalm in which the author (likely King David) cries out to God for help and protection from his enemies. The psalm begins with a plea for God to have mercy on the author and save him from his afflictions. The author expresses confidence in God's protection and refuge, and acknowledges that God is his only hope in times of trouble. He also confesses his sins and pleads for God's forgiveness.

The psalm includes themes of trust, hope, and reliance on God. The author recognizes God as a stronghold and a refuge, and he implores God to be his guide and his rock. The psalm ends with a declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God for delivering the author from his troubles.

In summary, Psalm 31 is a powerful expression of faith and reliance on God, and it provides comfort and encouragement to those facing difficulties and afflictions.