October 10, 2011
I’m Broke
The beggar reached out his hand hoping for a donation from Peter and John as they entered the Temple for the hour of prayer. Peter responded, “I’m broke.” Imagine that—a preacher with no money and one who was in top leadership! This certainly goes against the grain of much contemporary teaching. They didn’t have silver or gold, however they offered what they did have—power through the name of Jesus. Instead of money, the lame man received healing and began walking and leaping and praising God.
Imagine if Peter and John had focused on their lack of money and responded like this – “We don’t have the means to help you at the moment. Our cash flow is low, but we’re currently in a financial campaign at the church. When we get enough pledges, we’re planning to build a facility where you can come and get help. God bless you until then.”
Contrary to most people’s thinking, building the Kingdom of God does not require money. Yes, I know money is a necessity of life. It is a necessity of the organized church. But, it is not the answer to life or to church. Buildings and organizations do require finances. However, is our main goal to erect earthly institutions or is it to build the Kingdom of God? The problem is not money, but rather the extreme emphasis placed on it that leads to the attitude, “I can’t do anything because I don’t have the resources.”
It cost us nothing to share the Gospel or our testimony with people who don’t know Christ. I don’t need to obtain a room, buy a power-point projector, or even a chalkboard to use my gift of teaching. I have those teaching tools, but they aren’t an absolute requirement. I teach more people over a cup of coffee and over the phone than I do in the classroom. You don’t need an organization to use your gift of serving. Just go and help a neighbor or anyone you see who needs assistance.
Using our Spirit empowered gifts cost nothing. Plus, it cost us nothing to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—He IS a gift. Not only do we receive the person of the Holy Spirit, He also empowers us and gives spiritual gifts in order to build the Kingdom of God.
Isaiah told those who were broke “… you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost (55:1). All this is possible because Jesus has already paid the bill.
Two broke preachers, Peter and John, provided a far greater solution to the lame man’s needs. Plus, this event presented an opportunity for Peter to share the Gospel. Two-thousand people received Jesus as their Savior and were brought into the Kingdom.
I imagine some of you reading this can identify with being broke, especially in our current lean economic times. But, don’t let that stop you from participating in building God’s Kingdom. You have a personal testimony; you have at least one spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit; and you have His power abiding in you. You might also feel “spiritually broke” at the moment. Ask God for a refreshing of His Holy Spirit. It’s free—remember, He’s a gift.
Sustaining Word for the Week:
Even if you’re broke, don’t let that stop you from building God’s eternal Kingdom. The only resource you need is the Holy Spirit—He will empower you and give you the spiritual gifts you need. He will accomplish far more than any amount of money can ever do.