Ordinary Days

GETTING STARTED

Routines are the consistent backdrop for the extraordinary. Throughout the Scriptures, there is a common thread of God showcasing his God-ness in the course of daily human routines. It’s not really possible for us to expect the unexpected or to prepare ourselves to be surprised. Wouldn’t our expectation of surprise be oxymoronic? Yet, the Bible is full of verses, passages, psalms, and stories that deliberately teach us to set our eyes, hopes, and expectations on a God who routinely interrupts the routines of people to glorify himself in gracious and unexpected ways.

  • Can you recall an event or decision that turned an ordinary day into an unforgettable day?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 3:1-10 (ESV)

3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Looking at verses 1-3, what observations would you make regarding the ordinariness of this day? Is there anything to suggest that the day would be different from any other day for the beggar? How about for Peter and John?
  2. The lame man received more than he was asking/hoping for. What might this tell you about the spiritual expectations of the people you encounter daily? What about your daily expectations of God?
  3. Peter stated a powerful truth: We can only give away what we have. What do you possess that others need that you could offer them in Jesus’ name?
  4. The formerly lame man was overjoyed to say the least. How were the onlookers affected as they witnessed his condition and joy?
  5. Is there some crippled area in your life that needs to be healed? Are you aware of other spiritual “beggars” who need the healing power of Jesus?

RESPOND TO GOD

In today’s reading we see an ordinary day interrupted by our extraordinary God. The miracle happened through the power and authority of Jesus. However, the Lord used ordinary people, Peter and John, as the vehicle to bless the lame beggar. As former spiritual “beggars” who have been rescued and restored by a gracious God, we now have the privilege to give away to others what we have received from Christ.

  • Pray Psalm 5:3 and ask the Lord to reset your expectations of his activity in your daily routines: “O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”
  • Today, ask God to keep your eyes open for opportunities for your faith in Jesus to provide the healing, encouragement, compassion, truth, or friendship someone desperately needs.