Times of Refreshing (2)

In Acts chapter 3, Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray. A lame man was carried to the gate of the temple each day, to beg from the people who went to the temple. The man begged Peter and John for something to meet his physical needs. Peter had no money to give to the man, but offered something worth much more than money. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk””(Acts 3:6). Peter held the man by his hand and immediately, his feet regained strength. The man leapt to his feet and went into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

The people who saw this man walking were amazed. They ran towards Peter and John because of this great miracle. Peter did not accept the glory for himself, but used this as an opportunity to minister about Jesus Christ. He told them that Jesus had been sent to save the world from their sins. In their ignorance, they rejected Jesus Christ and commanded that he be crucified. Peter acknowledged that they did this out of ignorance and to also fulfil what was prophesied. All was not lost for the people, but Peter admonished them to repentance.

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Peter confirmed that their act of repentance, would lead to times of refreshing in the presence of God. As such, the people could approach God with a clear conscience. Although the people had sinned against God, he was faithful to forgive their sins and to cleanse them from all unrighteousness. ““Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

Sin can separate us from God, because a guilty conscience makes it difficult for us to be truly free before God. The good news is that the solution is extremely easy. Confess your sins to God, repent of your sin and accept God’s forgiveness. God places our sins into the sea of forgetfulness and he remembers them no more. When the devil tries to remind you of your sins and mistakes, remind him of his future in hell. God does not condemn you, so walk in freedom, knowing that you are forgiven. Whom the son sets free is free indeed. With this freedom, you can come boldly before God, knowing that you will be refreshed.

A.P.-Y.