When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, ‘You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected in the presence of Pilate, though he had decided to release him. But you rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you. ‘And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, (Acts 3:12-19
Good day dear Friend! I pray this finds you well and blessed. May the reading and sharing of God's Holy Word bless your day, your life, and the lives of those near and dear to you is my prayer.
It's hard to believe less than a month ago we were on the very steps that Peter used in today's passage. The steps were designed for people to ascend upward and in thoughtful and prayerful reflection, thus the way the construction made them. You cannot run up in a rhythmic way; your steps must be slow and cautious. It was near the steps of the Temple that a man born lame, called out to them for alms. Peter asked the man to look at he and John. This was a blessing, for most people like us when we're at a traffic light and there's a person with a sign begging for assistance, never looked at him. Peter invites his gaze and then offers him what he had, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Boom. Healed and whole! I love the reaction of the man for he was told to walk, but scripture says, "he entered the Temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." Wow. Not only healing and wholeness, but true joy entered his life that day. Once inside the Temple, Peter begins today's passage, the first Christian witness after the Resurrection where 3,000 people were saved. Peter gives credit where credit is due, to God. It was God who healed this man, and mentions God as "The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors," referencing the truth of God to those listening. And then he talks about Jesus, and people responded; just like you did, I pray, one day when someone shared Jesus with you. For me, it was a Sunday morning when I was about 8 or 9, a preacher, preaching in Spanish told me I needed to surrender my heart to the Lord, and I did. No bright lights, no angelic choruses, just the quiet peace that Jesus was mine, and I was His. Do you remember, dear one, when you surrendered your heart to Him?
I'm thankful that Jesus took (and takes) away my sin, and that I had a home and church home in which to continue my spiritual formation, ultimately leading to my call into ordained ministry, and the countess and endless blessings that have been mine since that day. The Message version ends the above passage with ""Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you," Showers of blessings indeed, have been mine as they can be yours, by simply turning your life and heart over to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Son of God, Lord and Savior of our lives. That decision will make you healthy and whole, not just today, but all days, and into eternity.
PRAYER: Loving Father, thank You for Jesus and thank You for this dear reader. I pray the endless showers of blessings be theirs today and all days. Hear my dear friend's confession and forgive their sin; welcome them into the fellowship of believers, and the priesthood of all believers. Grant us all wisdom and grace to respond in love to You and Yours; we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Live a life that shows you're drenched in blessings!
Eradio Valverde
