Nougat 18

Sometimes it’s as if what we read in our quiet time has a very direct bearing on our life in that season. Or maybe it is that I’m applying the Points to Ponder to my daily walk with God, as I’ve been thinking more intentionally about sight and vision in various contexts. Does that happen to you also? Recently, I’ve reflected on how perception influences expectations, but it only registered after the fact that it was related to this set of Nougats. But then, it may be the creative-reflection process. If so, I’m thanking God for the impact of preparation on my own spiritual life. I also pray our reflections positively impact you. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat, which offers an alternate view on expectations.

Acts 3:6 CEVDCI

[6] But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold! But I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, get up and start walking.”

Expectations vs Reality

His worst fears were confirmed when Peter spoke. The men were broke. They were very clear – they had neither coins nor notes.

Yet …

… they were the first people in a while who looked at him and seemed to see him. That should count for something.

Moreover, they insisted that he should look at them.

And, he did look. What he saw didn’t match his initial expectations in relation to their request. He saw two ordinary men, definitely from the working class. His hopes for getting any money from them didn’t look very promising. Although there was that extra vibe … of something hovering – an extra bit of energy that wouldn’t be contained.

Disappointed, he contained his faulty expectations and began preparing for the alms-giving temple patrons.

The men didn’t take the hint. In fact, the man kept speaking.

W-wait, wait a minute!

The lame man realised he had almost missed what was said.

What did he just say? Did he just say they had something else to offer? – The man’s words registered as if coming from afar.

“… I … give you … name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth,

He thought to himself [but that guy was crucified about two months ago. Why are they calling on his name? What can He, a dead man do?

“…start walking.”

The final two words were framed as a command. And the intensity of the men’s expressions left him with no doubt that they believed what they were saying. In all his years begging at the temple, nothing like that had ever happened before. No one knew that his greatest desire was to walk.

But those men knew, and seemed to be offering what he desired the most. That was NOT what he had expected. He experienced a myriad of different emotions:

Shock – those two men were making a very bold assertion in the public space.

Nervous – but what if it didn’t work? He had to decide if he was prepared to look stupid for listening to them. It was a risk – no one else thought he could walk.

Hopeful –but what if he did walk? Wasn’t there some rumour here at the temple that Y’shua had done something similar for the man round by the pools? Maybe there was more to the men’s invitation to look at them.

The lame man was at a critical juncture (crossroads). What was he now expecting? And could he entrust this new expectation of Jesus to those two men who made the offer?

The bigger question is- ‘Would we’?

Point to Ponder

Do we trust Y’shua with our deepest, most hidden desires or needs?

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May all we seek be found in Christ