Welcome to Repentance and 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…

Acts 3: 19-20 NLT 

Have you ever experienced sincere regret or remorse about a wrong you have done? Have you ever had deep sorrow over a realization of how others were wronged by people you are connected with?

Welcome to repentance. When we bring regret, remorse, and sorrow for things that are wrong to God, we are repenting of our sins. The Apostle Peter was pointing this out to the Jews at the temple. He was gentle and clear. Even though they may not have personally understood what was done to Jesus, they were part of it, in the sense that they went along with it. Peter says their sin was done in ignorance (Acts 3:1). Peter, in revealing the truth, was awakening their hearts and minds to the truth, that in turn, identified wrongdoing. Peter invites them to repent of the unjust treatment of Jesus. He invited them to repent and turn away from all sin.

It is a thoughtful invitation to repentance. Peter is welcoming them to an experience with Jesus that will set people free.

Have you ever had a strong argument with someone you love? Have you ever experienced joy and appreciation when forgiveness is asked for and the argument dissolves into love and gratitude for each other?

Welcome to refreshment. When we come clean with Jesus in repentance, the arguments brought on by sin are wiped away. There we are, in the presence of Jesus only to experience His love and care. We are in a covenant relationship with God that is meant to last forever. The refreshment of being in God’s presence is unmatched. In Acts, chapter 3, Peter describes this beautiful invitation clear back to the words of Moses. Peter reminds us “When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways.” Acts 3:26 NLT  These words extend to you and me today.

Reflection:

Whether sins of ignorance (I didn’t understand what I was doing or what I was part of.) or sins of knowing (I knew full well what I was doing when I did it.), Jesus welcomes us to repentance. He responds by wiping away our sins. He brings refreshment to our lives as we experience relief from sin and enjoy our relationship with God.

Encouragement:

Consider the invitation to repent. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sins of ignorance. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of sins of knowledge. Watch Jesus wipe away the sin. Experience the refreshment God brings. There is nothing like it.

Prayer:

 Dear Jesus,

Thank You for welcoming us to repentance and refreshment. May we receive Your hospitality that has the power to wipe away our sins. May we enjoy the refreshment that comes from being forgiven and restored to relationships with You. May we extend this invitation to others, following the example of Peter and John in the temple. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries