Ajith Fernando: Silver and Strength

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Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

“An economically poor church that is able to harness the power of God is actually a rich church. It is sad that with the increase of riches, dependence on God and consequently spiritual power often become less. It is unfortunately possible to use things that money can buy, such as a wonderful gymnasium for the youth or a grand pipe organ for worship, to have an impressive program and mask spiritual poverty. Economic poverty is sometimes a gift, for it forces us to look to God for strength.”

Ajith Fernando in Acts (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998) 149.

What is the strength of your church? What are you depending on in your personal life to make things happen? Is it material wealth or spiritual riches? These are not insignificant questions, and they are also very revealing ones.

I am studying Acts 3:1-10 to record a sermon on it for my pastor friend, Eric Tober, and what strikes me is that Peter holds nothing back.  After saying “silver or gold I do not have” he adds, “but what I do have I give you.” He shows his strength is in God.

See that! Don’t miss it. That’s generosity. Sharing freely what we have. And notice, even though he had nothing materially to share, he could still be generous. So can we! We can share help, hope, and healing in the name of Jesus.

That’s what our world needs. It needs you and I to give what we have so that we remain dependent on God for strength. Remember, God looks not at what we give, but at what we don’t give, for it reveals where we place our trust.