Fields United Methodist Church

Celebrate Jesus!

Pastor Tom Joyce

March 7, 2022

“But Peter said, I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give to you; in the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk.”

Acts 3:6

Jesus changes the subject every time! Money pays the bills, puts food on the table and a roof over one’s head, yet to heal a soul requires far more investment than throwing a few coins into the cup of one in need. We can clothe those who haven’t a shirt on their back, provide food for those with an empty table, we can even provide the table! Yet what makes people leap for joy is sharing the joy of faith with them. In the story of the healing of a crippled person asking for money (Acts 3:1-10), Peter could have put some money in the person’s cup and went about his day, but that would have left the person a few bucks richer but still with a void in their soul.  Peter gave something that was far more precious than silver and gold; he gave hope that someone cared enough to give the gift of a relationship unfused with the grace, peace, joy, and power of Jesus. Sharing your faith isn’t something that temporarily fills the belly but rather it satisfies another’s soul that longs for someone just to care about them.  Jesus always took the time to celebrate with people, whether at someone’s home or in the midst of thousands who were miraculously fed. The time you spend with someone is offering a precious commodity that you have been blessed with by God to share and celebrate.  You will satisfy an empty belly with food, but offering Jesus is eternal satisfaction.