February 03, 2023 | Be On Mission
Peter's Call to Repent & Believe
Scripture: Acts 3:11-26 (NIV)
11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Devotional
Seeing a crippled man instantaneously healed by Peter and John in the name of Jesus, the people ran to the two disciples like they were superheroes. Peter responds in four ways:
First, he gave God credit. Why is it important for Christians and Church leaders to be willing to give God all the credit for what is accomplished through them? What are some recent successes in your life for which you need to stop right now and give God all the glory?
Second, Peter confronted the people. Remember, he was speaking in the same place where people had shouted about Jesus “Crucify Him” less than two months earlier. Go back and read the “you” statements he made in verses 13-18. Talk about courageous! Coming clean with God begins with conviction and confession. Take a moment to reflect on any areas of your life that are out of alignment with the Word of God.
Third, Peter invited them to repent and be forgiven. People often say that they have messed up so much that even God can’t forgive them. Really? Stack up your sins compared to killing the Son of God. Verses 19-20 are a beautiful promise for everyone who turns from their sins and turns to God! The word “repent” means to change one’s mind. The idea is to change your mindset from thinking that a certain sin is no big deal to thinking that living for God is the only deal. In what aspects of your life do you need to turn from sin and turn to God?
Finally, once again Peter gave God credit. Beginning in verse 21 he said that everything from the entire Bible to Heaven itself declare the purpose and power of Jesus! In fact, verse 22 is a direct quote from Deuteronomy 18:15 which Moses declared some 1500 years earlier, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” Jesus is that prophet! What will you do to “listen to him?”
Poem
Acting In Ignorance
Acts 3:17
Acting in ignorance
A forbidden bite brought separation
An angry strike brought death
A sinful world brought destruction
An anxious couple abused a mother and child
A deceitful brother stole a birthright
A jealous clan sold their brother
An unwise husband jailed his best man
A power-hungry pharaoh enslaved a nation
A frustrated leader missed the promise
A pressured guardian gave in
A discontented people wandered
An envious nation sought a king
A narcissistic judge became blind
An adulterous king killed friend and family
An idolatrous nation went into exile
A greedy people forgot their neighbors
A fearful imposter killed innocent babies
An unrepentant ruler asked for a prophet’s head
A secretive council killed their hope
A betraying friend sold out his master
A frightened disciple denied his beloved
An ignorant nation crucified their messiah
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Father, forgive us, for we continue acting in ignorance.
