SCRIPTURE: Acts 3:11-26
OBSERVATION:
The basic point of this ‘sermon’ is that Jesus is the promised Messiah that the Jews were expecting, only they missed it, and killed Him instead of welcoming Him (just as was predicted). Fortuneately, God is merciful and will forgive them in they repent, and He will bless them, as He has always wanted to do. God’s amazing power and grace are at work, and everything He does (including this miracle) is designed to get us to repent and receive Jesus as the promised Messiah.
APPLICATION:
In v.19 we get the summary of the gospel, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Is this the message I am communicating? Peter makes the miracle incidental to the real important thing, namely recognizing and responding to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Do I/we get sidetracked by secondary concerns (our health, our happiness, our comfort, our struggles) and miss what really matters? Everything that happens becomes an occasion to remember who Jesus is!
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for getting wrapped up in myself, rather than seeing that what really matters – whether I am happy, healthy, comfortable or not – is my response to You as my Lord and Saviour. Help me to submit my life and circumstances to You everyday, and to see them all as occasions to point others to You. Amen.
God did mighty acts of healing through His apostles. Yet the people did not have the eyes to see God at work among His people. The people were blind/deaf to the Word. Those who do not stop, look and listen will be cut off from among His people. We are covenant people and through us the world will be blessed if we but open our hearts and serve the living King in faith. We are His instruments to fulfilled His purposes. Not my will be Yours be done, Lord! Help me from day to day to see You in my Living for Jesus as I continue the journey in joy.
I have decided, to follow Jesus
Though I may wonder, I still will follow,
Though none go with me, still I will follow
The world behind me, the cross before me,
Will you decide now, to follow Jesus