Silver or Gold

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

Nothing in this world is more valuable than the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is far more precious than anything we could ever physically put our hands on. There are many references to this in His Word.

This scripture discusses a lame man who needed something more than what the world could offer. And he allowed himself to believe in the One who could give it to him. This man got up, his ankles and feet being immediately strengthened, and he walked. And He followed Christ. He praised God for this miracle.

We can all have a miracle in our lives if we so desire. that miracle is Christ Himself. Only those who have received Christ, and not necessarily through a physical healing, although it can happen, realize that something has happened in their life. A change took place. Jesus healed and fed thousands so the people would believe. Yet Jesus said this to Thomas: ...because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29) A miracle...not seeing but believing.

Jesus is more valuable than silver and gold. This lame man might have needed the alms, but he received much more that day. Had he been rich he would not have been at that gate to receive healing and perhaps would never have seen a need for Christ. And God didn't even have to be present to heal. Only the power of His Spirit in and through Peter.

So what next? Did Peter take credit for this healing? No. He said it was no power of his own nor any of his own godliness but Jesus, whom those who had witnessed the lame man rise and walk, had crucified. It was a perfect opportunity to preach the Gospel and how this lame man just believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was healed. Repent was the next thing Peter said. Despite all the people had done and what they believed, they could still do that and be forgiven.

There is a commercial I've seen about how we should be investing in gold so we can "protect our money from the problems of the world." When I heard those words I cringed. The problems of the world will never be totally eliminated until Christ returns and all forms of evil are gone. No amount of money will ever be the cure all. It might satisfy for a time but it cannot do what He does. Jesus is the best gold we can invest in.

This is what God tells us:

Wisdom is the better choice: Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; (Proverbs 8:10)  How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16) (Because) in the light of the king’s (King's) face is life, and his (His) favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. (Proverbs 16:15) - Solomon

Jesus is the precious life we can have: Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone,” (IPeter 2:7)  Jesus is the chief cornerstone in our lives if we do not reject Him: In Him we have life...more abundant life (John 10:10)

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20) - Jesus.

I think I mentioned the other day how when we have, and abide in, Jesus, it's the one thing that cannot be taken away from us...unless we choose to give Him up. Otherwise He's always there...in life and in death. Know Jesus, know the Word, which Word brings life because it's wisdom and knowledge. Get it?

Those account for more than the things we accumulate, our treasures. The treasures in heaven are far more valuable than what we have on earth. Jesus should be our Treasure. This Treasure outshines the gold or silver we hold in our hands and trust in. These words should be our truth: In God We Trust. If we are not storing up our treasures in heaven, our protection (in the form of gold or silver or things) amounts to nothing.

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. ...the word of the Lord endures forever. Now this is the (same) word which by the gospel was preached to you. (Isaiah 40:8, 1Peter 1:25) ...that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ... (1Peter 1:7)

Hear these words. Glory in this revelation of Jesus Christ! Take in wisdom and shake off ignorance. Let Him open blind eyes and deaf ears. Be like the lame man and believe in the One who is a greater Treasure. Remove the thought of trusting in gold (or silver) to be protected from the problems of the world.

Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord...