The most valuable gift

Opinion

August 19, 2010

Glenn Jarrett Cordele Dispatch The Cordele Dispatch Thu Aug 19, 2010, 04:02 PM EDT

Cordele — The Jewish Temple had many gates. One of them was called “Beautiful.”

Here a certain lame man sat each day because it was a well traveled area with people entering and exiting the temple constantly. Perhaps a kind soul would show mercy and drop a coin or two for him.

The man had been lame all his life, “from his mother's womb.” Day in and day out he hoped for mercy. Two men approached the temple at “the hour of prayer.” and the lame man asked them for money, but the two men didn't give him any.

Were that the end of the story, we may be disheartened. “How could they be so heartless?” we might say, but be careful. How many people do we pass by in a week's time with judging in our heart and begrudging in our attitude?

Peter and John were not uncaring. “Silver and gold have I none,” Peter said, “but what I have, I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” (Acts 3.6).

What I have I give you. This is what the Lord asks of his followers. This is evangelism. When we give what we have, in the name of Jesus Christ, then our gift has value.

The greatest thing you and I can give to anyone is the healing power of the gospel of Jesus. Silver and gold may temporarily relieve another's suffering, but if I share the good news of salvation, then I give the most valuable thing there is to give.

— Glenn Jarrett is minister, First Street Church of Christ.

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