'Rise' is harder to say than 'Watch'

In Acts 3, Peter and John are heading to the temple when they encounter a man begging for money. The man asks for help, and they respond, “Silver and gold we don’t have, but what we do have, we give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

The man stands up, begins walking, and starts praising the Lord.

Now, imagine if Peter and John had money.

What if they simply gave the man what he asked for?

Silver and gold—it’s practical, it’s easy, and it’s within their power. Maybe it wouldn’t even be much of a sacrifice for them—after all, there’s always the tax write-off. Nothing wrong with giving money… but.

Giving what we have is easy; remembering to give WHO we have is harder.

It’s easier to give $20 than to command the lame to walk. Or is it?

When I lead worship, I often feel the pull to give people what they want—what the church or leadership is asking for: excellence, ‘good’ worship, the predictable 30-minute set, no drama. Something that makes people want to come back next week.

We don’t say it out loud, but that can often be the undertone.

People ask for beautiful songs, impressive musicianship, uplifting experiences.

And because of our gifting and resources—well, we can give them that. So we do.

It’s easier to offer my talent than His presence.

But here’s the question: How can we tell what we’re giving?

People thank us for what they perceive they’ve received.

What do people thank us for?

If they thank me for how good the worship sounded… that’s what they received. If they thank me for leading them into an encounter with Jesus… that’s what they received.

I might have intended to give them Jesus, but did I get caught up in the moment? Did I give them my charisma and heartfelt vocal… is that what I do?

Maybe we’ve become so strong in our ability, so rich in talent, that we’ve started offering people the silver and gold they’re asking for.

But what if… all I had was Jesus? No gifting, no skill, no voice—just Him. What would I do the next time I lead?

How intentional am I about what impression I leave?

One of the most important voices in worship over the past couple of decades is Bob Sorge—a man who can barely speak. And yet, through his weakness, he’s led countless people into encounters with Jesus.

People thank us according to what they’ve received.

The healed beggar leapt and praised God. That’s what he received: healing. He expressed thanks to WHO it came from—God. And yes, he probably hugged Peter and John too.

People want Jesus. And you can offer Him freely.

Choose to give what truly matters. Whether I have resources or not doesn’t matter. What I do have, I give unto you. In the name of Jesus:

Rise.