Tuesday
In our reading today, Peter and John were met by a lame beggar who was asking for money, but Peter offered him something so much better. Healing. Peter healed the man in the Name of Jesus Christ. Of course this brought attention to Peter and John and the people “were astonished”. I think maybe I would be too. Actually, I know I would be even though I know this can happen, but how thrilling to witness the Power of the Holy Spirit working. Anyway this healing gave Peter a chance to address the crowd.
And he really lets them have it. He did not mince any words but told them that they were the ones who murdered God’s Holy and Righteous One, Jesus. And then Peter also informed them that it was not by their power or strength that this man was healed, but through the Name of Jesus – you know the One you crucified!
Peter then lets them off the hook, so to speak, because he says to them they acted in ignorance and then he tells them this is what you need to do now. Repent (remember yesterday’s blog) 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.” (vs 19). Peter urges them (and us) to repent so their sins could be “blotted out” and so God could send “times of refreshing”.
As Christians, we are given so many blessings and another one of these blessings is “times of refreshing” just like that cold glass of water.
We sing a song in church called “Times of Refreshing” that says “Well I thank you Lord, that you are my Savior, you’re my strength and you’re the rock in which I stand. You give me life and a grace that is greater, when I humble myself beneath Your mighty hand. You bring times of refreshing, You bring times of refreshing, You bring times of refreshing to my soul when I’m weary in the fight, And trying to do what’s right you bring times of refreshing to my soul.”
When we grow weary or when our spirits are low, or during stressful or even mundane times of our lives, God’s refreshing can come over us. I am so very thankful for those times. To be renewed, strengthen, ready to face another challenge or another difficult time… “You bring times of refreshing to my soul.”
Feeling refreshed
Pastor Kathy