As a Bible Study Discussion Leader my son attended the children’s program, the leader’s had a sad chair for any discipline issues and so I thought this was an excellent idea so I placed this into practice. One day I found Dale down by the mail box when he knew that he did not go past the tree and as I yelled at him to come back up to the house, he said, “Please, mama, don’t put me in the sad chair!”
Dale knew he broke the rule, in our bible verse today Peter is sharing a time when the Israelites needed to acknowledge sin, repent or return had been the theme. According to Charles Swindoll, the Jews had refused time after time to refuse to return to the Lord. Now in Acts 3 this generation that saw Jesus ministry, his death and resurrection could repent and return to God. When we have sin this sin separates us from God.
Acts 3: 17-20
“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, 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.”
During this time of revival many came to know Jesus as their Savior. Today, when one accepts the Lord a burden’s lifted. Additionally, when we confess our sins, renewal occurs. Often, we rededicate our lives.
Jesus forgives us of our sins. Consider this promise in Psalm 103. 11-12
All within me, Praise His Holy Name!
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.…
Beloved, I have made mistakes and have needed to return to the Lord and rededicate myself is there something you need to confess and rededicate yourself to the Lord today? Perhaps, you have not been reading your bible, or praying daily. Maybe you have not been going to church? Or you are harboring bitterness towards some family member.
Just as Dale need time in the sad chair, do you need time in a sad chair? Have you confessed your sins? Are you meeting daily with the Lord?
Life Lesson: Peter was willing to speak to the crowd and share the gospel message, are you willing to share your testimony? Do you have your testimony written out?
Song: Just As I Am
Father God, I praise you and thank you for your loving kindness, I thank you for your word. Thank you that you provided for us to be able to run to you and that you gave us your son so that we have eternal life. I love you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
