Scripture Reading
Acts 3:17-25
As you think about this passage from Acts it helps to place it in proper context to fully understand what is taking place here. This is Peter talking to his fellow Jewish people after he and John healed the crippled beggar. Peter explains to the Jews that the healing power of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who is the Father of Jesus, made the man walk again. Peter's purpose is to demonstrate the connection of the promised Messiah of the Old Testament with Jesus of Nazareth, a simple carpenter turned teacher. The underlying interpretation of Peter's statement is that God was always in control in spite of the circumstances and actions of the Jews, God's chosen people. Peter picks up his discussion of Jesus being the Messiah that Moses, Samuel, and all the other prophets had foretold.
The other interesting thing about this passage is verse 19. Remember that repentance is about turning from our sin to God. It is in the act of turning from sin and to God that our sins are wiped away because God forgives us. Repentance does not precede our sins being paid for by Christ. Rather it is because Christ has endured the cross for us that we are able to repent from sin and claim God's forgiveness in our lives.
Lent is a season when one focuses on the cross of Christ. It is also a time when we mourn over our sin and in repentance seek the Lord again. Why do we repent from sin and turn to God as Christians? So that "times of refreshing can come from the Lord." As you pray today ask the Lord to bring to mind sin that you need to confess and repent from so that you can seek God with renewed passion.
Prayer: Lord, to turn from sin to you is a difficult thing because of the power sin has over me at times. Help me to rely on you for strength and grace to repent and turn to you. Bring times of refreshing to my life. Amen.
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