From: June 5, 2024
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things” (Acts 3:19-21 ESV).
A crowd gathered in the Temple courts, wondering at the healing of a lame man. Peter explained that the source of the healing power came from Jesus the Christ. He told them that this was the same Jesus they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead, ascended to heaven and who would soon return. Therefore, he challenged them to “repent” and “turn back” to believe in Jesus, so that their sins might be forgiven and that they would be ready for Christ’s appointed return.
The Jews were looking for a Christ, a Messiah, that would set up an earthly kingdom and dwell with them as king, so it was important that Peter explained to them the prophetic reason why the Christ had ascended to heaven “until the time” of restoration. Peter was an eye witness to Christ’s ascension, and he had heard with his own ears Christ’s promise to return. So, he preached with a sense of urgency and expectation that the Father would soon send Christ back again to restore all things.
Jesus has ascended back to heaven “until the time” of his return. When is this “time?” Only God knows. As Jesus told his disciples, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only… Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt 24:36, 44).
This is why we must always be ready. We must urgently proclaim the gospel to people of every nation, tongue, and tribe. For the “time” of Christ’s return is imminent.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You alone know the time of Christ’s return. Yet, give us a sense of urgency, so that we are always ready. Help us to set our hearts and minds on things above, knowing that we will soon see Jesus with our own eyes. In His name we pray, amen.
From: June 5, 2023
‘But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene get up and walk!”‘ (Acts 3:6 NLT).
Peter and John encountered a cripple asking for money on their way to afternoon prayers at the Temple. While many worshipers passed by the invalid without looking at him, probably even avoiding eye contact, Peter and John looked at him intently, fixing their eyes on him. They weren’t afraid of his need. In fact, they looked past his felt need for money to his deeper need for wholeness. Peter and John didn’t have money, but what they did have was better. They gave him Jesus and in Jesus’ name the crippled man was made whole.
When we have Jesus, we always have what people need. We don’t have to fear making eye contact with those in need. We may not have what people want, but we certainly have what they need. Give them Jesus. Be willing to look at others and pray for them in the name of Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You have given us Jesus. He is of surpassing worth, more valuable than all the world’s silver and gold. When we see those in need, empower us to meet their deepest need in the name of Jesus. We will not turn our eyes away from the hurting because of Jesus. He saw our need and saved us. Now we are sent as His body to do the same. In Jesus name, amen.
From: June 5, 2016
To the worshipers in the Temple courts who wondered at the healing of the lame man, Peter explained that the source of the healing power came from Jesus the Christ. He told them that this was the same Jesus they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead, ascended to heaven and who would soon return. Therefore, he challenged them to “repent” and “turn back” to believe in Jesus, so that their sins might be forgiven and that they would be ready for Christ’s appointed return. The Jews were looking for a Christ, a Messiah, that would set up an earthly kingdom and dwell with them as king, so it was important that Peter explained to them the prophetic reason why the Christ had ascended to heaven “until the time” of restoration. Peter was an eye witness to Christ’s ascension, and he had heard with his own ears, Christ’s promise to return. So, he preached with a sense of urgency and expectation that the Father would soon send Christ back again to restore all things.
From: June 5, 2015
Knowledge informs the mind, but wisdom controls the mouth. The fruit of the lips reveals the character of the heart. Does wisdom rule there? In Proverbs, wisdom is always seen as being from God alone. Therefore, asking does wisdom rule is the same as asking, “Does God rule?” Who monitors your mouth?
From: June 5, 2014
Peter and John encountered a cripple asking for money on their way to afternoon prayers at the Temple. While many worshipers passed by the invalid without looking at him, probably even avoiding eye contact, Peter and John “looked at him intently.” They weren’t afraid of his need. In fact, they looked past his felt need for money to his deeper need for wholeness. Peter and John didn’t have money, but what they did have was better. When we have Jesus, we always have what people need. We don’t have to fear making eye contact with those in need. We may not have what people want, but we certainly have what they need.