The Next Step
Francis of Assisi is one of the best known Christians of all time. He ranks up there with Augustine of Hippo and Teresa of Calcutta. He lived in Italy, in the town of Assisi in the Twelfth century. Born into a wealthy family, as a young man he lived the life of wine, women and song. Charmed with the idea of being a knight, he galloped off to war. He was captured, thrown into a dungeon and nearly died. When finally released, he returned home a broken man. While recuperating at home, he began to immerse himself in Scripture. This passage particularly captivated him.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Now a crippled man from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful,
where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 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: 1-8)
Francis was also caught by the Beatitudes, Christ's statements on what it means to be "blessed," that He uses to begin His sermon on the mount. Francis read repeatedly the first one, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Christ is simply pointing out here that our first step toward God is recognizing our own spiritual poverty and our need for God. That's our first step.
While taking a recuperative walk with a friend through the town of Assisi, they stopped in front of a newly finished cathedral in the center of town. The cathedral was magnificent, adorned with gold leaf on some of the outer structures. The friend remarked, "Well, we certainly can't say, 'gold and silver have I none!' " Francis replied, "Neither can we say, "rise up and walk.' " Fancis had recognized his spiritual poverty and was taking his first steps toward God.
Those first few steps would be the beginning of an incredible lifetime of walking with Christ.
HIs was a remarkable journey. But others have taken that journey as well. What's the old adage? "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." We have to take the first step toward God. Then everything else follows. But we have to take that first step.
Are we ready to do that?