In the 3rd Chapter of Acts, it says that Peter and John were in Jerusalem and walked by a gate leading into the Temple. There was a crippled beggar there . They instantly healed him and brought him walking and dancing into the Temple.
Of course the Hebrew worshipers were astonished because they had passed by this man day in and day out on the way to worship. Maybe they had contributed a small coin to his livelihood now and then, when they had spare change they did not need to buy an offering. You see where this is going. My Church is in an older part of town. Many are. It sits half way in between a poorer section of town and a grand old section with manicured lawns and stately mansions of the past. I think it is appropriate that it is where it is- sort of between heaven and hell, like the Church of believers should be.
As Christians, we are called to look around us and see who is hanging out just outside the gate called Beautiful- just outside our blessed lives. Peter and John say to the people “by faith in the name of Jesus this man whom you see and know was made strong.” (vs 16) By my faith I am supposed to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, to bring people into His Temple of Mercy to be healed, in spirit and maybe body. I am supposed to take them by the hand and help them enter the gate called Beautiful and into His presence.
As women, we can do that in some way, each day, no matter how busy we are. Father, show me who to lead through the Gate called Beautiful today, Maybe with a smile to a harried grocery store clerk, or letting that person in traffic, or hugging a loved one. Just show me who needs a glimpse into your Kingdom. “I can not do everything, but I can do something. Lord what will you have me do?” is part of the motto of the Daughters of the King, a women’s prayer group to which I belong. The answer- every day pray, then obey, don’t walk away.
