Repent1

Acts 3:19

The challenge of being strong in our faith can often make us fear for what is expected of us, and those fears can sometimes cripple us. In Acts 3:1-10 we have the story of a lame man who is healed by the disciple Peter. This man has been bound up by his physical infirmities, unable to do those things he would like to do since birth. But Peter commanded that the man be freed from this bondage and be healed.

After the celebration of the miracle Peter takes the opportunity to explain the importance of faith in Jesus. He concludes with today’s verse. What does Peter urge his listeners to do?

Although Peter was speaking to the crowd in Solomon’s Colonnade, what he has to say applies to us today. The healing the beggar received is like the healing we can receive in our souls to put us on the right spiritual path in our walk before the Lord.

In a single Bible verse we have the summation of our faith and what we are to do as Christians. The first step for our spiritual strength and renewal is repentance. We are to realize that we have strayed from the path of righteousness and we are sinful. We have erred and done wrong things. But God desires that we ask forgiveness and renounce the ways of the world.

Then we turn to God. We change the focus of our lives and our souls, moving away from the lures and desires of the earthly things around us, and focus our hearts and souls on the everlasting Father that we might be given strength, ability and right direction.

When we have extracted ourselves from the temptations and errors of worldly things, when we have been forgiven and we make Christ the center of our attitudes and intentions, then we will be refreshed. We will have a new soul, a new heart, a new attitude and a new way of approaching what lies ahead.

With our sins gone and our hearts focused on the Lord we are given a new perspective and a new energy to do those things that are right and holy, those things that are directed by God.

We are each urged to give up the bondage of those things in life which distract us from holy living. We are urged to turn to God and welcome that refreshment of the spirit the Lord offers.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Repent of your sins. Turn to God and welcome the refreshing newness God can give you.