“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”
Acts 3:19-20 (NIV)
Thank God for the apostles- for the record of their ministries and sermons in Acts and for their epistles that built upon the foundation of our Lord’s teaching and ministry.
The Holy Spirit moved powerfully in these men who had walked with Jesus for three years and guided them into all truth just as the Lord prophesied in John 16:13.
Peter tells the Jewish people that they and their leaders acted in ignorance when they killed the author of life, and that God fulfilled what he foretold through their actions. Peter then calls them to a different action in verse 19, not rejection and a turning away but repentance and turning towards.
Notice that repentance is required, and that a turning to God is required before times of refreshing will come.
We need refreshing, don’t we?
We have a wonderful example of refreshing in this chapter as it records the lame man being healed through Jesus’ name and Peter’s faith. It is a special moment in his life, but his life isn’t over, there is likely a lot of life left to live for this fellow who has no trade except begging. No doubt he will face many hardships throughout the rest of his life and yet he will always be able to remember the day the Lord refreshed him.
Peter contrasts times of refreshing with the restoration of all things in this sermon. He tells that Jews that they must wait for everything to be made right, they must wait for the prophecies of old to be fulfilled in every way, and yet they can receive times of refreshing right now.
Action is required – Repent and turn to God.
Friend do you need refreshing from God?
What stops us from repenting and turning to Him?
Whatever is stopping us – it's not good – turn from it and turn to God.
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