Great Expectations

Rev. Tim Radkey writes:

Some say that the greatest gift is the one you weren't expecting. The best gifts catch you off guard. An unexpected gift at an unexpected time leads to joy in the giver and receiver. What a joy to know that even in the midst of the routine there is always the possibility of a surprise blessing.

It was the ninth hour and hence the routine time for prayer. People filed in as they always did at the ninth hour. The alarm clock went off and the lame man's friends move him to the front of the gate where all who will enter for the hour of prayer must pass. The lame man is a routine fixture at the gate. He is a man dependent upon his buddies and other people's routine generosity.

While the man is lame he has certainly learned to become assertive. Upon seeing Peter and John about to pass buy he asks them to play their part in helping a brother out. Peter and John direct their gaze at the man. You almost get the feeling that prior to Peter and John there wasn't much eye contact between the giver and receiver. It was all routine until today. Before today it seems as if the givers gave out of a sense of duty and for some maybe even guilt.

The eye contact seems unexpected. What follows is certainly unexpected. Peter said I don't have money to give, but I give you Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Immediately the man is healed and walks, leaps, and praises God as he makes his way into the temple for prayer. This is how amazing Jesus' gifts to all of us really are. He does not have to give out of duty. He gives because He desires to heal, bless, and be the source of much rejoicing!

Do you expect on Sunday to see anyone leaping for joy because of what Jesus has done? When did we stop looking for wonder and amazement at our church? Jesus remains the one who did the unexpected so that we might break the routine of sin and beginning living for Him. When your alarm goes off tomorrow morning, try getting out of bed celebrating that you are living under the unexpected and undeserved grace Jesus lavishes on you routinely. Keep leaping and praising the name of Jesus!
--Rev. Tim Radkey

From: M2C Mission Prayer Guide, Vol. I, #5 from Texas District Mission & Ministry Facilitator Rev. Steve Misch