“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 [NIV]
If you have time today, do read Acts 3:11-26.
The people of Jerusalem were utterly amazed. They were seeing with their own eyes a man who had been unable to walk since the day he was born not only walking, but jumping around the temple. A crowd gathered, and as the man caught his breath and leant onto Peter and John, Peter has some explaining to do. Isn’t it interesting that Peter’s words are again a response to people’s amazement as they see God do something wonderful? Let’s pray that God so works through us that people are amazed and ask for an explanation!
Peter again points people to the risen Jesus. He is the reason that the man has been healed. The problem was that the people listening to Peter were the very same people who had rejected Jesus. Peter is bold, directly accusing his listeners of involvement in the death of Jesus: “You handed him over… you disowned him… You killed the author of life…” (v13-15). These are strong, even painful words.
But this challenge is a moment of opportunity for the people of Jerusalem. In recognising who Jesus is and what they did to him this is a chance to “Repent…and turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (v19). God’s intention is to refresh and bless his people. In fact he wants to bless all nations on the earth (v25), beginning with Peter’s hearers (v26).
This is God’s plan. He has sent Jesus his Messiah to bless every person on planet earth. But in order to give his blessing, in order to refresh us, first God needs to challenge us so that we turn back to him. God speaks into the ways in which we shut him out of our lives, and that is uncomfortable. But the challenge to us is always given in order to bring about refreshing.
Reflection: In what ways has God challenged you recently? What did you do with that challenge?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that even when I reject you, you are so faithful to me. Lord, may I be open to your challenge to me, and so receive the blessing of a deeper relationship with you. May your blessing extend through me to others today. Amen.
Olly Mears
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