Gate Beautiful...

1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.—Acts 3:1-10

This lame man who sat daily at the Gate Beautiful to ask for alms was healed by God and entered through said same gate walking and leaping and praising God.  As I read this story, I pictured Gate Beautiful as the very gate of heaven and all who pass through...crippled, maimed, lame or deformed...would not just walk through the gate, but would go through healed and made strong through their faith in His name. The faith which comes through Him will give them this perfect soundness as they enter in to the Presence of their Redeemer.   With their hearts and their lips they will praise Him and their joy as they enter will be unspeakable and full of glory!  

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”  Behold, our God will make all things new.