This Is the Way: A 30-Day Journey Through the Book of ActsSample

More than a Glance

By Kyle Fox

Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” —Acts 3:1-6 (emphasis added)

Whenever I read today’s passage, the phrase “looked at him intently” jumps out to me. I recently learned this phrase is only one word in the original Greek (atenizo); it’s used elsewhere in the Bible, each time putting emphasis on intentionality and being fully present in the moment.

In today’s world of hurried activity and pervasive technology all vying for our attention, I wonder if we miss the opportunity to put this into practice—to be fully and intentionally present in the moment with the people around us. Depending on where you live, you might not see people in need asking for money on the side of the road or sitting outside the church building. But do we unintentionally rush past people with everyday needs on a regular basis, barely giving them a glance?

The significance of this passage isn’t about the money the man is begging for—it’s about being heard and seen. Peter says to the man, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you” (Acts 3:6 MSG). Peter’s unhurried, undistracted intentionality resulted in something far more momentous than what money could buy this man in desperate need.

This reminds me of a time during my freshman year of college. It was only months after I’d surrendered my life to Jesus; a friend and I were getting lunch when he said to me, “Your life is one big awkward moment.” I wasn’t sure what to say . . .Thank you? But in the context of the conversation, it was a really nice thing for him to say.

It’s important for you to know that my friend said this because he was proud of me for not shying away from awkward moments. He remembered how I used to be and how it felt impossible for me to start a conversation with someone in public, even at church. My story is one of overcoming anxiety and fear that at times felt paralyzing. My friend went on to say that he always knew I’d have a crazy story to share about how the Lord used me to make someone feel seen and significant.

Years later, I believe the Lord has called me to inspire others to know they too can step out of their comfort zones to make someone feel seen and significant. The Bible doesn’t mention the lame man being mistreated, but it does mention he was carried out to the Temple gate each day. I wonder how many people over the days, months, or years walked right past him?

As believers, we talk about treating others the way we would want to be treated, but one of the worst forms of mistreatment is being treated like no one at all—unheard and unseen. This man’s entire life changed when Peter and John heard him and saw him. Not only did they see his physical condition, but they also saw him for who he was created and redeemed to be.

I’ve been walking with the Lord for twenty years now. This means for two decades, my heart rate has been spiking every time the Lord highlights someone I need to start a conversation with! That may sound extreme, but the truth is I still get nervous in these moments. Yet I know my obedience to the Lord must be greater than my insecurities. There are times when I still think, They don’t want me to talk to them. They’ll think it’s weird. They just want to be left alone. At the same time, the other person could be thinking, No one wants to talk to me. There are tons of people here, but no one sees me. Or something sadly similar.

And here’s the thought I often have that trips me up the most: I can’t relate to them.

When my mind is flooded with insecurities, lies, and doubts, I remind myself relatability is overrated. I don’t have to look like them, talk like them, be the same age as them, or act like them to have a significant spiritual impact on their lives. I just need to show up and be interested. Their biggest needs may not be met in those interactions, but I can meet the need of genuinely seeing them, caring about them, and showing them kindness.

To be genuinely interested and fully present, we need the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through us. Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to cast out all demons and heal all diseases before He sent them out to tell everyone about the kingdom of God (see Luke 9). We get to be in on this too. Whenever I notice a lack of God’s miraculous power in my life, it’s not because His power has run dry; it’s because my perspective is out of focus. It’s not about a lack of divine activity; it’s because I’m distracted from seeing the opportunities all around me.

The Lord desires for us to look upon those around us with thoughtfulness and intentionality and exercise the power and authority given to us in Christ Jesus to offer them lasting hope—the hope of abundant life, the hope of eternal life, the hope of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, I want to see others the way You see them. Please give me Your lens of compassion. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit as I step out of my comfort zone and initiate conversations with others who might feel alone or who have a need only You can meet. Help me to be intentionally present in the moment with them. Use my words to speak to them and use these interactions as a catalyst to draw them to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation

• What fears or hesitations have you experienced that might hold you back from initiating a conversation with someone?
• Throughout the week, practice being fully present by intentionally making eye contact with people you encounter. Take time to acknowledge their presence and create opportunities for meaningful interactions.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight people around you who need to feel noticed or encouraged. Be open to how God might lead you to offer hope, encouragement, or even prayer.

For Further Study

Acts 3; Matthew 9:35–38; Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:2; Galatians 6:10

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me?