Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:6-8.

Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:4.

And continuing our 351 Old Testament prophecies, promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, we come to number 98: He trusted in God, let Him deliver him. Psalm 31:14-15: But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. And, Matthew 27:43: “He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, “I am the Son of God.”

In the first Scripture verse cited above, Peter told the lame man he would give him what he had; and what he had was first-hand understanding of Jesus, the Son, Creator God, bringing healing that He brings; understanding of so much more value than any gold or silver. It is understanding of God and His good will for us. And the second Scripture verse shows us how God’s patience did its perfect work in Peter who grew in understanding through all the ups and downs of learning about God from God.

And in our Friday Zoom retreat, we did a Visio Divina, where we looked at a picture of a tropical setting with tropical-shaped mountains in the background and a beach with people sheltered in a cove with boats in the water. In the foreground a structure for eating while still in a pool setting which no one was in. And above all, a beautiful sky opening upward with clouds and hues of blues, and pinks and light itself. And what is so amazing is that for each of the five us, we saw in a unique way for us the same setting. We listened as the Spirit showed us individually what was needed in our personal walk with Him that we then shared with one another, expanding our love and awe of God’s perfect working.

Reading a book yesterday pulled all of this together for me today. I’m rereading the book Patmos by Dr. Baxter Kruger about a character named Aidan, a Southern Mississippi theologian, who travels from 2013 to the Isle of Patmos to a cave to be with the elderly Apostle John. And the talks they have are amazing to read. One of my favorite excerpts is where John is talking with Aidan answering Aidan’s question of why John began his gospel with the Word, instead of the Son: “”Each person’s story is part of a larger story – family, friends, nation, history. The Holy Spirit speaks in ‘layers,’ as you called them. Your dream is about you. The Holy Spirit is giving you eyes to behold Jesus and to know His freedom. Your dream also concerns the history of your people, and as I expected, it answers your questions about the Word and the Son in my gospel. I see the layers and their relationship now.” I suddenly felt known, really known, like I was understood, even accepted, and welcomed. Come to Me, I heard, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. John slowed and took a deep breath. “Why do you think I started with the Word instead of the Son?” “A moment ago I thought that perhaps you used Word because you wanted us to know that Jesus is God’s message to us.” “Yes, indeed. Think back to your professor’s favorite quote from Karli (Karl Barth).” I could feel his joy in leading me. “I could never forget it; my teacher said it a hundred times. ‘Not God alone, but God and humanity together, constitute the meaning of the Word of God.’” “Now,” he said, his voice quivering in anticipation, “substitute ‘Jesus’ in the place of ‘the Word of God,’ and say the quote again.” “Not God alone, but God and humanity together, constitute the meaning of Jesus.” I repeated it several times, my whole body shaking as I did. The apostle watched me with delight, which made me proud. I changed the order of the phrases several times in my mind, then cried out, “Jesus means that God and humanity are together.” The apostle covered his mouth with both hands, leaning back in joy. Then he cocked his head and raised his eyebrows, as if cheering me to continue. But he couldn’t wait, and all but shouted, “What is the opposite of together?” “Separated!” Then it hit me. “Jesus means that God and humanity are not separated but together in union! And this union,” I said, fully aware that I was saying way more than I could possibly understand, “is the Word of God!” “That is the Gospel According to Saint John! Well done, Aidan. The Holy Spirit loves to make us look smarter than we are.”” I share this in the hopes you will read Kruger’s book for yourself because it is so good!

Peter gave what he had. Jesus. Jesus in union with us in the Father in us in the Spirit. “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” John 14:20. As you turn away from seeing only this fallen world, and ask for God’s help, a whole world opens up and the light of God’s love permeates our spirit. Our journey begins with Him who knows us so well, and continues with others who love Him and are seeking Him and the blessing of family, the family of God together. In You Are the Beloved by Henri Nouwen today this prayer of his was perfect: “Dear God, As you draw me ever deeper into Your heart, I discover that my companions on the journey are women and men loved by You as fully and as intimately as I am. In Your compassionate heart, there is a place for all of them. No one is excluded. Give me a share in Your compassion, dear God, so that Your unlimited love may become visible in the way I love my brothers and sisters. Amen.”

***SAFETY Alone with none but You, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear, when You are near, O king of night and day? More safe am I within Your hand than if a host did round me stand. Columba of Ireland (c. AD 521-597).***