From Repentance to Refreshment

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

Acts of the Apostles 3:19-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.3.19-20.NLT

Imagine coming into church one day, and one of the people who has been in a wheelchair for years has an encounter with God and is now able to walk. What a moment to witness. What do you think that would do for your faith? Would your trust increase in God? Would you be suspicious of what God has done?

The Apostles Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray. A well-known man who had been crippled for years was at his usual place, asking for money, as he couldn’t work. Peter stated he didn’t have money to give, but what he did have, he would give. With the power of God, Peter brought healing to the man, who scripture says was walking, leaping, and praising God!

It is at this moment, Peter takes the opportunity to share with everyone listening about Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Peter calls people to repentance for their sins by turning to God through Jesus Christ. He promises a refreshment of life that comes through Jesus Christ.

Reflection

A practical way of thinking about repentance is a changing of direction based on new information received. In this case, the Jews were not sure about Jesus being God’s son. The religious leaders were clearly against Jesus. Two new pieces of information are received. The first is the healing of a well-known crippled man. He can now walk. He is healed. The second is the message of Peter. He makes it clear who Jesus is and how He is actually the promised Messiah.

Peter also reassures the people he is talking to, that through Jesus your life will experience refreshment.

Encouragement

Repentance is meant to be a healthy activity in our lives. God brings something to our attention that is not right and needs to be addressed. He gives us new information to respond to. We have the opportunity to turn away from the destructive thing we are participating in (sin) and turn to God, following Him.

Out of that comes refreshment in our lives. We meet Jesus at the cross. We meet Jesus at the empty tomb. The things taking life away are set aside, and new life is raised up for us to live. From repentance to refreshment.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the opportunity to repent. Thank You for being so generous with miracles that call us to repentance. Thank You for wiping away our sins. Thank You for bringing refreshment to our lives. Help us in our willingness to repent as You bring awareness to our lives of things that need to be addressed. We pray with humble hearts.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.

Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries